By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes
Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701. As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.
These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.
Just before the turn of the century Mid-America gave birth to chiropractic, a new and desirable form of treatment for sick and suffering humanity.
It would seem to any reasonable person that a new scientific endeavor, especially one that worked demonstrably good results on a consistent basis, would be more than welcome.
It has, if one takes the limited view, had many battles, hard struggles and narrow victories; throughly mixed with frustration, occasional defeats and doses of pessimism; and still more struggles face it in the future.
But a historian must look at the whole picture and see individual events, however painful they might have been at the time, as an apart of the overall pattern. Only the larger view paints the true picture.
It is fascinating to observe that in 82 years (1895 to 1977) the profession of chiropractic has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of even the most ambitious chiropractor. … in which:
- Chiropractic licensing laws are on the statute books in each of the 50 states in spite of the heaviest possible opposition in each state.
- Chiropractic is included in federal and state laws in medicare, medicaid and other social programs despite persistent resistance.
- Acceptance in governmental circles is growing almost daily although opposition by organized medicine has never slacked for a moment.
- Chiropractic is accepted as a viable treatment by most …. State legislatures are regularly forcing acceptance by other companies with the enactment of insurance equality laws which forbid insurance companies to discriminate against doctors.
- Insurance companies, … are now hiring chiropractors as part of their staffs. …
- Chiropractic professionals, led by Dr. Bob D. Glaze of Longview (of Texas Chiropractic Association) and Dr. G. M. Brassard of Beaumont (of American Chiropractic Association) are being used by the chiropractic profession to guide them through the increasing maze of governmental organizations, guidelines and regulations that affect the profession.
- Chiropractic colleges have steadily advanced their entrance requirements ….
- … Chiropractic colleges are being accepted by state and national accrediting agencies, which providence enables them to begin qualifying for state and national funds for buildings, research projects, libraries and the upgrading of teachers’ qualifications.
- Public acceptance of chiropractic is at an all-time high and still climbing. It is rare for younger people to voice open prejudices and common for them to seek and recommend chiropractic care. The continuing resistance of medical doctors to chiropractic is increasingly regarded as a selfish, self-serving cynicism ….
- Finally, chiropractic has moved to the attack in the courts by filing complaints under Federal anti-trust laws charging the American Medical Association, among others, of actions in unfair restraint of trade. Although nothing is yet resolved in 1977 the mere filing of the lawsuits has resulted in a noticeable reluctance by the medical authorities to engage in their usual vigorous name calling.
The chiropractic profession is constantly attracting ambitious and bright young people to its banner. They will certainly continue the professional advancement in research, prestige and acceptance with an energy and sophistication never known before.
Such is the brief report covering 82 years. It is enough to drive the profession’s detractors to distraction because it reflects persistent and rapid gains on every front.
Now we shall tell the story of how it came about, especially in Texas.
