McCoy Press Lectures

More Research on Lighting up the Brain

Summary
This conversation delves into the complexities of chiropractic research, particularly focusing on a recent study. The discussion emphasizes the importance of methodology, the impact of language in scientific discourse, and the necessity of critical thinking when interpreting research findings. The speakers explore how brain activity and sensory processing are affected by chiropractic adjustments, while also addressing the potential influence of placebo effects and the need for clear definitions in research terminology. Ultimately, the conversation advocates for a rigorous and thoughtful approach to understanding chiropractic care and its implications for health.
 

Mark Bronson's Conflicted Role in NBCE’s Pilot Exam: Magical Thinking and Hidden Agendas

SummaryThis podcast critically examines Dr. Mark Bronson's influence in chiropractic regulation, focusing on his role in the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). As Chair of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Bronson has promoted NBCE’s new Part IV exam, touting its technological enhancements and supposed fairness. However, his dual roles with the NBCE and Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards raise concerns about conflicts of interest, regulatory capture, and his push for potentially pseudoscientific ideas, including dubious claims about acupuncture. Bronson’s stance against evidence-based practices like subluxation correction and reliance on X-rays further complicates his role, sparking calls for reform. The episode urges the chiropractic community in Texas to advocate for transparency and accountability to protect public trust and professional integrity.CLICK HERE to read more

The Surprising Link Between Chiropractic Care and Vertigo

Summary
This conversation delves into a fascinating case study of a 75-year-old woman suffering from severe vertigo, which was alleviated through chiropractic care. The discussion explores the connection between spinal health, subluxation and vertigo, the emotional and psychological impacts of the condition, various chiropractic techniques, and the importance of personalized healthcare and patient advocacy in healthcare.
CLICK HERE to review the research

Defending Chiropractic Values: Navigating Policy, Politics, and Malpractice

Summary
In this lecture McCoy discusses the importance of understanding vertebral subluxation within chiropractic practice, the necessity of being informed about malpractice insurance, and the implications of vaccination inquiries in a clinical setting. He emphasizes the need for chiropractors to support organizations that align with their values and to be aware of the political landscape affecting their profession. McCoy also highlights the rising concerns regarding vascular incidents in patients, particularly in relation to COVID-19. In this conversation, McCoy discusses the importance of understanding patient complaints, risk management in chiropractic practice, and the necessity of adhering to the standard of care, especially in the context of COVID-19. He clarifies misconceptions about chiropractic adjustments causing strokes and emphasizes the need for thorough patient assessments, including the use of George's test and other vascular screenings. McCoy also critiques the practice of pre-participation sports physicals, urging chiropractors to focus on their expertise while referring patients for comprehensive evaluations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Vertebral Subluxation and Chiropractic Values10:07 Navigating Malpractice Insurance and Personal Responsibility19:55 Vaccination Questions and Patient Privacy29:53 Vascular Incidents and COVID-19 Implications28:28 The Importance of Standard of Care29:53 Screening for Vascular Issues Post-COVID32:23 Chiropractors and Stroke: Clarifying Misconceptions35:18 The Role of George's Test in Chiropractic Practice40:32 Mitigating Risk Through Comprehensive Patient Assessment49:05 Reevaluating Pre-Participation Sports Physicals
 

Power & Control in Chiropractic Education, Licensing and Regulation: An Overview of the Chiropractic Cartel

Summary
In this presentation, McCoy delves into the complexities of the chiropractic profession, focusing on the concept of a 'chiropractic cartel' that influences education, politics, and practice standards. He discusses the emotional toll of witnessing the profession's evolution, the importance of political engagement, and the implications of accreditation on chiropractic education. McCoy emphasizes the need for reform and the challenges posed by existing cartels that limit competition and innovation within the field. The conversation delves into the historical and ongoing challenges within the chiropractic profession, focusing on the antitrust lawsuit against the CCE, the emergence of a chiropractic cartel, and the implications of monopolistic practices on education and licensing. It highlights the concerns raised by the Department of Education, the role of state regulatory boards, and the secretive nature of organizations like the Chiropractic Summit. The discussion also covers resolutions aimed at fostering a competitive marketplace and legal challenges faced by chiropractic institutions. In this conversation, McCoy discusses the intricate relationship between the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly in the context of chiropractic education and the ongoing debate surrounding the concept of subluxation. He critiques the WFC's stance during the pandemic and its implications for the chiropractic profession. McCoy also explores the historical context of chiropractic education in Australia, the challenges faced by practitioners, and proposes strategies for reforming accreditation processes to foster a more diverse and competitive educational landscape.
 

Fibromyalgia & Chiropractic

In this podcast episode, the discussion centers on the compelling outcomes presented in a recent case study that follows a 56-year-old male with fibromyalgia who experienced substantial improvements through chiropractic care. The patient, who had struggled with chronic pain, limited mobility, fatigue, and symptoms from overlapping conditions like IBS and chronic fatigue syndrome, sought relief through Torque Release Technique (TRT) and Activator protocols. Throughout his chiropractic sessions, he reported a significant reduction in pain, enhanced range of motion, and regained the ability to walk without a cane. The conversation also delves into the complexities of fibromyalgia, a condition often resistant to conventional treatments, highlighting how chiropractic adjustments may benefit overall quality of life for individuals with this syndrome. Listeners will gain insight into the multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia and how alternative therapeutic approaches can play a transformative role in patient outcomes.
CLICK HERE to review the research

Pregnancy & Chiropractic - Review of COHERENCE Special Issue

In this podcast we discuss the special issue of COHERENCE, focusing on the essential role of chiropractic care during pregnancy, particularly emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear and unobstructed nervous system for both the mother and the developing child. This includes insights from Dr. Larry Webster, known for pioneering the Webster Technique, a chiropractic method specifically designed to address subluxations that can affect pregnant women. 
We explore how the nervous system, which controls every function of the body, plays a critical role in a healthy pregnancy. Chiropractors are passionate about ensuring that pregnant women have their nervous systems checked for subluxations, as any obstruction can impact both the mother's health and the developing fetus. This issue of COHERENCE highlights the safety and benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, noting its potential to prevent complications, ease labor, and relieve back pain commonly associated with pregnancy.
The podcast episode delves into these themes, discussing the scientific backing of chiropractic care during pregnancy, and providing insights from experts on the subject. Chiropractic has improved the lives of countless mothers and children, promoting the idea that chiropractic care is vital not only from "cradle to grave" but even before birth. 
Tune in to this enlightening discussion and learn how chiropractic can contribute to healthier pregnancies, smoother deliveries, and overall well-being for both mother and child.
CLICK HERE to get access to this Special issue of COHERENCE on Pregnancy.

Communicating Chiropractic to Healthcare Professionals

This podcast episode explores how chiropractors can improve communication with other healthcare professionals to foster better patient outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of chiropractors confidently articulating their unique role, especially beyond the typical association with back pain, by focusing on how chiropractic care can impact nervous system function and overall health. The conversation highlights the power of using common terminology and objective findings to bridge the communication gap, which helps build trust and collaboration with skeptical medical professionals. The podcast also advocates for managing patient expectations, presenting chiropractic care as both a solution for immediate issues and a tool for long-term health. Ultimately we envision a future where chiropractors and other healthcare providers work closely together to deliver more integrated, patient-centered care, with every profession bringing valuable expertise to the table.

Reduction of Motor Tics Following Chiropractic

In this podcast we explore a fascinating case series on the potential link between chiropractic care and the reduction of motor tics. The episode highlights two cases: a seven-year-old boy and a 27-year-old teacher, both experiencing significant relief from their tics through chiropractic adjustments. The discussion delves into how upper cervical spine misalignments, particularly in the atlas, may contribute to these tics, and how adjustments provided noticeable improvements over time. While the results are promising, we also need larger studies to fully understand chiropractic's role in co-managing motor tics. Tune in to learn more about how chiropractic care might offer new hope for those seeking alternatives to medication for motor tic management.CLICK HERE to review the research study

The Part IV Exam Controversy: A Deep Dive into the NBCE's Changes and Their Implications

This podcast discussion focuses on the controversial changes proposed by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) to the Part IV chiropractic licensure exam. These changes include centralizing the exam to a single location in Greeley, Colorado, condensing it into one day, and incorporating high-tech simulations and remote examiner evaluations. Concerns are raised about the lack of transparency from the NBCE and the significant logistical and financial burdens these changes impose on students, who will now have to travel across the country to take the exam.
The centralization is criticized for potentially increasing the stress and cost for students, particularly if they need to retake the exam. The discussion also explores the broader implications of the changes, questioning whether they actually enhance the assessment of clinical skills necessary for chiropractic practice. The podcast highlights resistance from the chiropractic community, including a formal request for data justification from a coalition of chiropractic organizations, which remains inadequately addressed by the NBCE.
Comparisons are drawn unfavorably to adaptations made by medical and osteopathic schools during the pandemic, where assessments were decentralized and diversified to better evaluate students’ clinical competencies in a more practical and continuous manner. The proposed model by the NBCE, focusing on standardization and efficiency, may overlook crucial aspects of chiropractic training such as patient interaction and adaptability.
The conversation concludes with a call to action for chiropractors and students to become more involved in the discourse surrounding these changes, encouraging them to seek more information, engage with professional boards, and advocate for an examination process that truly reflects the needs and realities of chiropractic practice. This episode emphasizes the importance of community engagement and proactive advocacy to ensure that the evolution of chiropractic education aligns with the profession’s core values and practices.
CLICK HERE for more on the NBCE Controversy