By the words we use we define our reality. When we create a reality that is not what we think it should be, we have identified a contradiction. “To arrive at a contradiction,” writes Ayn Rand, “is to confess an error in one’s thinking; to maintain a contradiction is to abdicate one’s mind and to evict oneself from the realm of reality.”
Our current chiropractic vocabulary is full of baggage that obscures the truth of chiropractic. This has resulted in not only an identity crisis within our profession but I would suggest, less than optimum clinical outcomes, increased iatrogenic incidences and subsequent confusion within the communities we serve.
Let’s take a look at a few of these items of disempowerment and destruction that we use on a daily basis. They usurp a persons’ sovereignty, decrease their personal power and obscure the truth of chiropractic. The ‘Doctor’ according to Collins Dictionary is “a person licensed to practice medicine” – hardly useful in the chiropractic context. Why not use your name? The ‘Patient’ is the subservient one, “a person who is receiving medical care.” (Collins) – this word limits people to a life of disease orientation. It certainly doesn’t empower. Why not use the word person/people to honour the individuality of those people you serve? ‘Diagnosis’ is “the identification of diseases from the examination of symptoms.” (Collins). We all are aware of the inaccuracy of diagnosis. ‘Disease’ is “impairment of function … producing characteristic symptoms.” (Collins) So where does the impairment of function come from? That is the chiropractic question. ‘Treatment’ is “the application of (therapy) to a patient.” (Collins) Rather than therapeutic intervention chiropractic participates in generative shifts. ‘Prevention’ is “to stop a disease from happening”. (Collins). This focuses on the disease or condition and is usually a fear-based motivator. ‘Cure’ is ‘to restore to health or good condition.’ (Collins). The removal of subluxations never cured anybody of anything. How about ‘Paediatrics’ “the branch of medicine concerned with the development, care and diseases of babies and children” (Collins). No wonder the medical profession is upset at chiropractic for teaching and practicing its hallowed property.
Whilst this list is by no means complete, it serves to pose some questions as to the way we are distorting our reality. As chiropractors we are professionals. Our work includes professing the chiropractic lexicon and not that of another science.
Be conscious of the words you use as they define your reality.
