International Chiropractors Association | International Chiropractors Association https://www.chiropractic.org We are building a strong tomorrow for chiropractic worldwide. Wed, 17 Dec 2025 01:02:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.chiropractic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-ica-logo-2x-32x32.png International Chiropractors Association | International Chiropractors Association https://www.chiropractic.org 32 32 Remembering and Honoring Two ICA Leaders: Hugo V. Gibson, DC, FICA & Ronald M. Hendrickson, MSc https://www.chiropractic.org/remembering-and-honoring-two-ica-leaders-hugo-v-gibson-dc-fica-ronald-m-hendrickson-msc/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:27:40 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=55280 ...]]> December 11, 2025 (Falls Church, VA) The International Chiropractors Association (ICA)
announces the passing of two leaders – men who leave a legacy of service, advocacy and
dedication to both the ICA and chiropractic in general – Dr. Hugo V. Gibson and Mr. Ronald M.
Hendrickson.

Dr. Hugo V. Gibson joined the ICA in 1969 as a Student at Palmer Chiropractic College, Davenport, Iowa. He was active in ICA throughout his lifetime. Dr. Gibson served as a member of the Representative Assembly before joining the ICA Board where he would be selected by President George Curry to serve as ICA Chairman of the Board.  He further contributed as President of the Fellows of the ICA and Faculty Sponsor of the Student ICA. In 2004, Dr. Gibson was the first recipient of the Dr. Fred Barge Memorial Award of the Loyal Legion of Chiropractic Philosophers. In 2006 Dr. Gibson received both the Teacher of the Year and the Faculty Clinician of the Year at Cleveland College. In 2016, Dr. Gibson was honored with the ICA Herbert Ross Reaver Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2019, elected as the ICA Doctor of the Year. 

He was licensed to practice in the state of Missouri and registered to practice in South Africa, the nation of his birth. For 20 years, Dr. Gibson served as a Professor at Cleveland Chiropractic College and the Chairman of the Principles and Practices Department for 7 of those years.  Not only was Dr. Gibson a leader in chiropractic, he was also a leader in his local communities both in South Africa and in the United States and incorporated his personal interests and talents.  From leadership in rugby, scouting, and motorsports to opera and the Lions Club.

ICA President, Dr. Joe Betz stated, “Hugo was a profound role model in my professional journey and an inspiration to an entire generation of chiropractors. His influence, passion, and dedication will continue to live on through all those he taught and inspired.”

Dr. Gibson is survived by his beloved wife Judy, his four children, Dr. Hugo Michael Gibson, Dr. Donald Joshua Gibson, Richard Bartlett Gibson and Ellen Margaret Gibson.   The family has stated that a celebration of life service will be announced in the spring/summer of 2026.  At the family’s request, the ICA has established the Dr. Hugo V. Gibson Fund for friends and colleagues to donate in lieu of flowers if desired.

Ronald M. Hendrickson came to work with the ICA in the early 1980s, bringing to the organization extensive Washington, DC credentials.  These included service as a Special Assistant to Ambassador Averill Harriman, US State Department, staff work in the US Congress as an aide to US Senators from Louisiana and Minnesota,  and service at the federal administrative level as Deputy Assistant of Secretary of Agriculture under President Jimmy Carter. Ron received his academic training at the undergraduate level from the George Washington University and conducted his postgraduate studies at the London School of Economics and at Johns Hopkins University.  

Having received his first adjustment on the night of his birth, Ron brought to the ICA his passion for the profession as well as strong executive management and writing skills.  Ron may be best remembered for his role as the key coordinator of ICA’s long relationship with global superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the annual sports event ICA hosted thousands of Doctors of Chiropractic, students and other professionals from around the world over the decades prior to COVID.

Another hallmark of Ron’s work with the ICA was his dedication to emergency relief efforts. From working in the orphanages of Romania after the fall of the Ceaușescu government in that Eastern European nation to setting up chiropractic volunteers on the grounds of the US Pentagon and Ground Zero in New York after the attacks of September 11, 2001, to take care of recovery workers.  Working behind the scenes, Ron was instrumental in creating the sleep science platform at the ICA, building international relationships from this platform and advancing discussions on chiropractic education globally. After his beloved wife, Dr. Coralee Van Egmond passed, he was instrumental in establishing the Dr. Coralee Van Egmond Scholarship Fund, which continues today at the ICA.  

Dr. Joe Betz stated, “Ron’s unwavering commitment to chiropractic, his deep respect for its history, and his tireless advocacy for its future helped preserve the integrity of our mission through times of both challenge and opportunity. Ron was more than an administrator—he was a steward of our values, a guardian of our traditions, and a mentor to generations of chiropractors who benefited from his leadership.”

Upon his retirement in 2019, Ron continued as a consultant to the ICA to prepare the 100th Anniversary book draft documenting ICA history.  This book will be published in 2026.  

Ron is survived by his two sons.  Plans to honor Ron are in development and will be shared when finalized by his family. We anticipate a celebration of life in the spring/summer. To read the official obituary is posted at: https://obituaries.carewellcremations.com/ronald-hendrickson

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ICA Welcomes New Board Members https://www.chiropractic.org/ica-welcomes-new-board-members/ Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:50:17 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=53929 ...]]> ICA Welcomes Dr. Deed Harrison, Dr. Patricia Giuliano, and Dr. Max Reinecke to the Board of Directors

Falls Church, VA (November 20, 2025) On Thursday, November 13, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to elect Dr. Deed Harrison of Idaho, Dr. Patricia Giuliano of California, and Dr. Max Reinecke of South Dakota to the Board of Directors. 

Both Dr. Harrison and Dr. Reinecke previously served in the ICA Representative Assembly.  Dr. Reinecke is returning to the ICA Board after prior service on the board.

Deed E. Harrison, D.C. FICA, a graduate of Life-West Chiropractic College, directs and owns a large chiropractic rehabilitation and education facility in Eagle, ID, USA called the Ideal Spine Health Center.  

Dr. Harrison is the President / CEO of Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®)Technique & Seminars and is the President of CBP NonProfit, Inc. – a spinal research foundation. Dr. Harrison has developed and researched original spinal rehabilitation procedures and has lectured spine clinicians at nearly 1000 educational conferences around the world.

 Dr. Harrison is a highly respected chiropractic researcher and educator in the realm of conservative spine care. One of the most published chiropractic researchers in the profession, Dr. Harrison authored (co-authored) over 260 peer-reviewed spine-related publications, 5 spine textbooks, and numerous conference proceedings.  Dr. Harrison is a manuscript reviewer for several top-tier, Q1, peer-reviewed Spine journals.  He has developed and completed two successful Special Issues on spine rehabilitation for the Journal of Clinical Medicine as a Guest Editor.

Patricia A. Giuliano, D.C., FICPA, FICA, EMP, a graduate of Life University, recently stepped back from full-time clinical practice. As co-owner of Westwood Family Chiropractic alongside her husband, Dr. Peter Kevorkian, she has passionately mentored numerous chiropractors and over forty chiropractic student interns.  With over forty years of experience, Dr. Patti focuses on empowering individuals to trust their body’s innate healing capacity. Currently serving on the board of the League of Chiropractic Women, Dr. Patti has held roles such as president and membership chairperson. She is also President of the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice and sat on the Chiropractic Licensing Board in Massachusetts for six years. 

Max Reineke, DC, FICA, a graduate of Logan Chiropractic College and a native of Sioux Falls, South Dakota returns to the ICA Board after several years serving in other capacities. Having grown up without exposure to chiropractic, it was only after college that he found his way to chiropractic.   Starting chiropractic college, never having been adjusted, Dr. Reineke found the lack of exposure to chiropractic made it easy for him to have an open mind to all techniques and points of view. He wanted to learn any chiropractic method he could to help his fellow man. Realizing that God created him to be a chiropractor, he settled in to make himself the best chiropractor possible with the gifts that God gave him.  In school, he attended lectures by Harold Manner on cancer, Eric Mendelson on medical “malpractice”, Reggie Gold on commitment to the subluxation, and was adjusted by the likes of Otto Reinhart, Clay Thompson, Bud Grove, I.N. Tollness, and Milton T. Morter.  Dr. Max has always taken the chiropractic subluxation complex seriously. The subluxation was the “it” that happens when the phrase “you got it” is used by doctor and patient. In a career focused over more than 4 decades, Dr. Reinecke has on the identification and elimination of the subluxation.  In addition to his service on the Board, Dr.  Reineke continues to serve as the Chairman of the Fellows of the ICA.

ICA President, Dr. Joe Betz stated, “I am honored to welcome Dr. Deed Harrison, Dr. Patricia Giuliano, and Dr. Max Reinecke to the ICA Board of Directors. Each of these distinguished doctors brings a depth of experience, a passion for principled chiropractic, and a steadfast commitment to serving our profession at the highest level. Their leadership, clinical expertise, and decades of dedication to chiropractic excellence will strengthen the ICA and help guide our mission well into the future. We are grateful for their willingness to serve, and I look forward to the meaningful contributions each of them will make in advancing chiropractic worldwide.” 

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Media Contact:
Beth Clay, Executive Director
International Chiropractors Association
bclay@chiropractic.org | 202-498-4461 | https://www.chiropractic.org

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DPhCS Graduation Weekend at Palmer College of Chiropractic https://www.chiropractic.org/dphcs-graduation-weekend-at-palmer-college-of-chiropractic/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:17:27 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=53870 This past weekend in Davenport, Iowa—at Palmer College of Chiropractic, the historic
Fountainhead of Chiropractic—the ICA Council on Chiropractic Philosophy and The Center for
Chiropractic Progress hosted another landmark Diplomate in Chiropractic Philosophic Standards
(DPhCS) weekend. The event marked a highlight in the profession’s ongoing advancement of
Chiropractic philosophy education, scholarship, and rigor.

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the program proudly graduated 38 new DPhCS diplomates,
representing a truly international achievement. Graduates came from across the United States,
Europe, Asia, and Mexico, reflecting the increasing global reach and influence of the DPhCS
program.

Before receiving their diplomas, each candidate defended a carefully researched and written
thesis before a seven-member panel of DPhCS and FPhC inquisitors. These defenses—open to
the public—are known across the profession for their intensity, intellectual depth, and high
expectations. The weekend carried a mixture of tension as candidates presented and defended
their scholarly work, balanced by the thrill of seeing the culmination of more than 330 hours of
study over three years, all devoted to the highest standards of Chiropractic philosophy.

Representing the ICA Council on Chiropractic Philosophy were Dr. Sean Walker (vice chair), Dr.
Brad Poock, and Dr. Rob Sinnott, all members of the Council’s governing board. Together they
presided over the ceremony, formally welcomed the new diplomates, and led the swearing-in
of the Class of 2025.

The Center for Chiropractic Progress—responsible for administering, organizing, and delivering
the entire DPhCS curriculum as laid out by the Council—once again ensured a superbly
coordinated and meaningful event. Its leadership, instructors, and support team deserve high
recognition for upholding this program at Palmer College, honoring Chiropractic’s roots, and
continuing the legacy of principled Chiropractic education.

The weekend was one of celebration, accomplishment, and inspiration. With 38 new DPhCS
graduates now carrying forward the torch of Chiropractic philosophy, the profession gains new
scholars, new leaders, and new voices dedicated to strengthening the philosophical foundation
that has guided Chiropractic since its inception.

Congratulations to the DPhCS Class of 2025—now part of the most elite chiropractic
philosophical credentialing program in the world.

2025 DPhCS Graduates

Stephanie Anderson, DC, LCP
Tim Baylard, DC, LCP
Andrea Cecchi, DC, LCP
Brittany M. Crampton, DC, LCP
Cheryl E. Crawford, DC, LCP
Chris Cucullu, DC, LCP
Anthony A. DeNeal DC LCP
Angel Dial, DC, LCP
Brandon Dolin, DC, LCP
Jon Eckfeld, DC, LCP
Lucas M. Gindl, DC, LCP
Pamela S. Gindl, DC, DICCP, LCP
John G. Goodfellow III, DC, LCP
Cameron Gordineer, DC, LCP
Amy L. Henry, DC, LCP
Rachelle A. Hynes, DC, LCP
Scott Kelley, DC, LCP
Chad Kobs, DC, LCP
Clay Larson, DC, LCP

Joshua James Lawlor, DC, LCP
Hyunjung Lee, DC, LCP
John Patrick Maher, DC, LCP
Maximillion Mettler, DC, LCP
Allison Misner, DC, LCP
Patrick Montgomery, DC, MS, LCP
Gerardo Montiel Tejeda, DC, LCP
Daniel J. Otis, DC, LCP
Nishtha Patel, DC, LCP
Marcos Perivolaris DC, LCP
Michelle Rait, DC, LCP
John Reitz, DC, LCP
Alexis Salvador Uribe, DC, ACP
Hunter Schaff, DC, LCP
Daniel J. Schumacher, DC, LCP
Abraham Talledos B., DC, ACP
Li Bin Tan, DC, LCP
Nikolai Allan Young, DC, LCP
Beth Zogg, DC, LCP

Council on Chiropractic Philosophy

The Council’s programs, resources and initiatives are dedicated to support the growth of the profession and advance its capacity to make profound changes in the health of the individual patient and the health of the community in which they live. The foundations of the philosophical dynamics between intelligence, force and matter, and Chiropractic as a unique profession and professional paradigm, hold powerful implications for today’s health care climate around the globe.

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The International Chiropractors Association Applauds Appointment of Dr. John Maltby, Sr. as Interim Secretary General of the World Federation of Chiropractic https://www.chiropractic.org/the-international-chiropractors-association-applauds-appointment-of-dr-john-maltby-sr-as-interim-secretary-general-of-the-world-federation-of-chiropractic/ Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:35:29 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=53789 ...]]>

Falls Church, VA (October 29, 2025) The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) proudly congratulates Dr. John Maltby, Sr. on his appointment as Interim Secretary General of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). Dr. Maltby’s decades of leadership, service, and dedication to advancing chiropractic worldwide make him an outstanding choice for this important role.

A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Maltby has been a steadfast advocate for the chiropractic profession throughout his distinguished career. He has served as President of the ICA of California, held multiple leadership roles within the ICA Board of Directors, including two terms as President and four years as Chairman of the Board, and has represented the ICA on the WFC Board for over a decade. During his tenure with the WFC, Dr. Maltby was elected to serve as WFC President and continued to contribute as a board member until this week, when he accepted the role of Interim Secretary General.

ICA President, Dr. Joe Betz, praised the appointment, stating:

“The ICA congratulates Dr. Maltby and applauds the WFC for their wisdom in selecting a strong, principled leader to guide the Federation during this interim period. For the ICA, engagement with the WFC is a vital part of our mission—working collaboratively with colleagues around the world to protect and promote chiropractic as a distinct, drug-free healthcare profession grounded in the unique philosophy, science, and art of subluxation detection and correction.”

The ICA looks forward to continuing its partnership with the WFC to advance the chiropractic profession globally and ensure greater access to chiropractic services for people everywhere.

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Media Contact:
Beth Clay, Executive Director
International Chiropractors Association
bclay@chiropractic.org | 202-498-4461 | https://www.chiropractic.org

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ICA President Responds to Rumors of Merger https://www.chiropractic.org/ica-president-responds-to-rumors-of-merger/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:22:28 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=52817 ...]]> Important Message from ICA President Dr. Joe Betz:

I’m making this video today to clear the air once and for all on a very important topic.

No merger with another association or organization is being planned, discussed, or even considered by the International Chiropractors Association.

I have served on the ICA Representative Assembly or the ICA Board for over 20 years, and the topic of merger has never been discussed by anyone — other than to stress that we would never consider it.

The ICA remains a fully independent professional organization.

Again, we are not merging with any other association, company, or entity.

Our mission, our values, and our governance all remain 100% intact and member-driven.

The rumors suggesting otherwise simply do not reflect reality.

They misrepresent the ICA’s strong and stable position within the chiropractic profession.

Over recent years, our leadership and members have worked hard to strengthen the ICA structure, update our Constitution, and modernize operations — all to ensure that this association remains independent, transparent, and accountable to our mission.

Not outside influences. We exist to protect chiropractic’s distinct, drug-free identity and to stand guard over the sacred trust handed down by our founders.

That commitment has not changed, and it will never change.

So if you’ve heard claims of a merger, you can confidently say it’s not true.

The ICA remains strong, united, and focused on advancing chiropractic around the globe.

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Official ICA Response to the Resignation of Dr. Edwin Cordero as CEO https://www.chiropractic.org/interim-ceo-named/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:55:25 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=52807 ...]]>

October 14, 2025: (Falls Church, VA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the International Chiropractors Association

The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) acknowledges the resignation of Dr. Edwin Cordero as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and thanks him for his service to the organization and the chiropractic profession. We recognize his years of dedication to advancing principled chiropractic and wish him success in his future endeavors.

To ensure continuity and stability, current ICA Vice President Dr. Jon Stucky will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer while the Executive Committee conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent successor. Dr. Stucky brings extensive experience in chiropractic leadership and a deep commitment to the ICA’s mission and values.

The ICA remains steadfast in serving its Vision, Mission, and Core Values. As we move forward, the ICA will continue to foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, respect and professional excellence. Our organization strives to represent the principles of its members while respecting the diversity that exists within the chiropractic profession worldwide. We have long defended chiropractic as a drug and surgery free profession and this dedication is as important now as it has ever been in its 130-year history. ICA will continue working to promote the profession with a foundational philosophy that is aimed at enhancing health and human potential, rather than merely preventing or treating disease.

Moving forward, ICA’s leadership is focused on strengthening governance, building transparency, and advancing public and professional confidence in chiropractic worldwide.

We thank our members for their continued trust and engagement as the ICA enters its next century of service to the chiropractic profession and the people we collectively serve.

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ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care Applauds North Carolina Board’s Inclusion of CBCT in Chiropractic Scope https://www.chiropractic.org/ica-council-on-upper-cervical-care-applauds-north-carolina-boards-inclusion-of-cbct-in-chiropractic-scope/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:00:25 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=46867 ...]]> The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and its Council on Upper Cervical Care are proud to announce a major milestone: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is now included within the chiropractic scope of practice in North Carolina. This breakthrough follows nearly a decade of diligent work, research, and advocacy by key leaders in chiropractic imaging.

The effort began in 2017, when Dr. Cameron Bearder, a dedicated North Carolina chiropractor, identified that CBCT was not recognized in the state’s chiropractic legislation. Despite outreach in 2020 from Steve O’Neill of Planmed and Dr. Tyler Evans, the NC Board initially declined to consider CBCT.

However, major progress unfolded as CBCT technology gained traction in academic settings:

  • 2020: Planmed installed CBCT units at Sherman College of Chiropractic (SC) and later at Northwestern Health Sciences University (MN)—the first of their kind in chiropractic clinical education. 
  • 2022: The ICA’s Upper Cervical Council Special Imaging Committee published a peer-reviewed paper on dose and safety considerations of CBCT in chiropractic settings. 
  • 2023: Dr. Jeff Scholten and Dr. Matthew Richardson (DACBR) published a second peer-reviewed paper detailing CBCT’s technology, utility, and clinical value. 
  • 2023: CBCT was installed at Life West Chiropractic College in Hayward, California.

In early 2025, Dr. Bearder presented on CBCT analysis via Dr. James Demetrious’ postgraduate CE program, generating renewed interest from North Carolina doctors eager to bring this diagnostic advancement to their patients.

With support from the ICA’s Council on Upper Cervical Care Special Imaging Committee, a collaborative team—Dr. Bearder, Dr. Demetrious, Dr. Evans, and Dr. Scholten—formally re-approached the North Carolina Board of Examiners. Key to the final breakthrough was the involvement of Dr. Phil Arnone. Dr. Arnone, a long-time resident of North Carolina and a long time board member of the North Carolina State Association, facilitated a presentation of the materials necessary to prove the need to include CBCT in North Carolina scope.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Arnone, Dr. Bearder, Dr. Demetrious, and Steve O’Neill for their persistent efforts,” said Dr. Tyler Evans, Chair of the Special Imaging Committee. “This win is not only a victory for chiropractors in North Carolina, but a signal to other states that CBCT has a valuable role in advancing safe, evidence-informed chiropractic care.”

Research References:
1. DeNunzio G, Evans T, Beebe ME, Browning J, Koivisto J. Craniocervical Junction Visualization and Radiation Dose Consideration Utilizing Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Upper Cervical Chiropractic Clinical Application: A Literature Review. Dose-Response. 2022;20(2). doi:10.1177/15593258221107515

2. Scholten J, Kos A, Richardson M, Campion K. Cone Beam Computed Tomography: Technology Overview, Dose, and Utility Considerations for Chiropractors and Regulatory Bodies. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic. 2023;6(1):92-99.

Contact:
Dr. Tyler Evans, DC, DCCJP
Phone: 765.744.8320

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ICA Responds to Cheap Shot Against Chiropractic https://www.chiropractic.org/ica-responds-to-cheap-shot-against-chiropractic/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 20:19:14 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=46861 ...]]> July 28, 2025 (Falls Church, VA) The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) has issued a letter to a former legislator from Louisiana regarding a debasing comment on chiropractors used as a quote on an unrelated topic.

Garret Graves, who served in the House of Representatives until last year, was quoted in the July 27 article by Jack Brook, “Louisiana cancels $3 billion coastal restoration project funded by oil” that was distributed worldwide by the Associated Press.  The article, regarding the potential loss of coastal restoration funds from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Settlement Fund, is an important topic which warrants a serious discussion. 

Statements attributed to you in the article  include “I don’t know what chiropractor or palm reader they got advice from on this but – baffling that someone thought this was a good idea.” (The quote has been used again by former Rep. Graves on social media.)

In the letter sent by ICA’s CEO, Dr. Edwin Cordero, the following comments were provided:

“This quote from you has no place in such a serious discussion and implies that chiropractors lack credibility.  Whether provided as a cheap shot at the profession or out of a lack of understanding of the strong evidence-base supporting the safety and benefit of regular chiropractic care, your quote undermines the valuable work of more than 100,000 Doctors of Chiropractic in the United States including the more than 700 in the state of Louisiana. 

Chiropractors (Doctors of Chiropractic):

  • Recognized as Essential Health Care Providers by the US Government.
  • Physician level providers in Medicare, Medicaid, DOD and VA.
  • Licensed in Every US State.
  • Chiropractic Care is a covered service in Medicare, Medicaid, US military and Veterans Administration health care. 
  • Extensive licensing and educational requirements: 
    • 3-4 Year Graduate Degree requiring minimum of  7 years undergraduate with science pre-requisites.  All US Chiropractic Programs are Accredited by the CCE, which is US Department of Education approved.
    • Licensure requires passage of 4 Boad Exams provided by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams and fulfilling any state-specific licensing requirements.
  • Safety of chiropractic validated through medical malpractice rates that are among the lowest in health care.
  • Research including studies conducted by the US Defense Department show benefits of chiropractic care for improved performance, strength, and recovery.
  • Studies show that for patients in pain, chiropractic is first line of care, the rate of opioid prescriptions being filled is reduced by at least 50%.
  • Workman’s Compensation Research Institute Study found chiropractic care was less expensive for on-the-job injuries, and that employees returned to work more quickly.”

Dr. Cordero concludes the letter with a request for corrective action be taken. The full letter is available below:

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ICA announces Dr. Neil Cohen as New Membership Ambassador https://www.chiropractic.org/ica-announces-dr-neil-cohen-as-new-membership-ambassador/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 22:14:09 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=46763 ...]]> upper left white and gold international chiropractors logo. Photo of a man in a suit with glass, dr. neil cohen, white words on the right announcement, white and gold words underneath Welcoming Dr. Neil Cohen as Membership Ambassador
Dr. Neil Cohen: New Membership Ambassador

Falls Church, VA — We’re excited to introduce Dr. Neil Cohen as the ICA’s new Membership Ambassador! In this important role, Dr. Cohen will be working closely with our student ICA programs at affiliated schools, inspiring the next generation of chiropractors to embrace ICA’s mission and values. 

He will also be actively recruiting new members, helping young graduates transition smoothly into full doctor-level membership, and ensuring they remain active and engaged throughout their careers for full ICA benefits. 

Dr. Cohen will be working hand-in-hand with our CEO, Dr. Edwin Cordero, to strengthen and grow our ICA community—just as he did as Executive Vice President of Sherman College of Chiropractic, where together they advanced the college’s standing as a leader in principled chiropractic education.

Dr. Cohen joined Sherman College in 2014 and served there for nearly 10 years, helping guide its growth and impact. He is a 1986 graduate of Life Chiropractic College, where he was deeply inspired by Dr. Sid Williams’ passion for chiropractic’s unique philosophy—a passion that sparked a lifelong commitment to principled chiropractic care. 

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Cohen practiced alongside his wife, Randi, in South Florida, earning a reputation for his genuine care and for helping countless patients experience the transformative power of chiropractic. He’s always believed that, by God’s design, the body has an incredible ability to heal itself, and he’s dedicated his life to sharing that truth.

Dr. Cohen’s leadership, communication skills, and unwavering commitment to chiropractic’s core philosophy make him a perfect fit for this role. We can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll bring to our ICA community.

For more information about the ICA and its leadership, visit www.chiropractic.org

Media Contact: 
Beth Clay, Executive Director 
bclay@chiropractic.org 

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ICA Responds to Sensationalized Media Coverage: “Chiropractors Deserve Truth, Not Tabloid Tactics” https://www.chiropractic.org/ica-responds-to-sensationalized-media-coverage-chiropractors-deserve-truth-not-tabloid-tactics/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:03:04 +0000 https://www.chiropractic.org/?p=46755 ...]]> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           Contact: chiro@chiropractic.org
June 10, 2025                                                   Tel:  703-528-5000

Falls Church, VA — The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) is speaking out in response to People Magazine’s June 5, 2025, article, titled “Chiropractor Tears Woman’s Artery While Cracking Her Neck.” The story details the personal experience of Carissa Klundt, a Las Vegas mother who suffered a vertebral artery dissection  (VAD) weeks after receiving a neck adjustment from a substitute chiropractor.

“This is a tragic situation, but it’s also a gross misrepresentation of the chiropractic profession,” said Dr. Edwin Cordero, CEO of the ICA. “It’s yet another example of sensational journalism that draws conclusions without evidence, science, or clinical context.”

A Pattern of Blame Without Clinical Facts

Every time a vascular event occurs, and a chiropractor is even remotely involved in the patient’s history, it becomes headline news regardless of timing, medical context, or alternative risk factors. In this case, the patient herself stated that her symptoms developed weeks after the adjustment.

“If a traumatic arterial dissection truly occurred at the moment of care, we’d expect immediate neurological symptoms like severe headache, nausea, or difficulty walking,” Dr. Cordero noted. “Delayed symptom onset matters. That’s clinical evidence being ignored.”

Research Clearly Refutes a Causal Link

The best available research supports what principled chiropractors have long known: there is no causal relationship between cervical chiropractic adjustments and vertebral artery dissection.

A major population-based study by Cassidy et al. (2008), published in Spine, examined all vertebrobasilar strokes in Ontario over nine years and found no increased risk of stroke associated with chiropractic care compared to medical care. Patients experiencing early dissection symptoms like neck pain or headache—were just as likely to see a chiropractor as a medical doctor, showing that the stroke process had likely begun before any visit occurred.

This conclusion is supported by the American Heart Association and multiple systematic reviews, including a 2016 meta-analysis published in Cureus and a 2021 study in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. Together, these findings make it clear: correlation does not equal causation when it comes to chiropractic care and VAD.

References:

  1. Cassidy JD, Boyle E, Côté P, He Y, Hogg-Johnson S, Silver FL, Bondy SJ. Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care: results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008 Feb 15;33(4 Suppl):S176-83. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181644600. Erratum in: Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2010 Mar 1;35(5):595. PMID: 18204390.
  2. Biller J, Sacco RL, Albuquerque FC, et al. (2014). Cervical Arterial Dissections and Association with Cervical Manipulative Therapy: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 45(10):3155–3174. DOI: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000016
  3. Church EW, Sieg EP, Zalatimo OA, et al. (2016). Systematic review and meta-analysis of chiropractic care and cervical artery dissection: no evidence for causation. Cureus, 8(2):e498. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.498
  4. Whedon JM, Mackenzie TA, Phillips RB, Lurie JD. (2021). Risk of cervical artery dissection after chiropractic spinal manipulation in Medicare B beneficiaries aged 65 to 99 years with neck pain. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 29:16. DOI: 10.1186/s12998-021-00367-5

Overlooked Clinical Red Flags

According to People Magazine, Klundt had previously undergone breast explant surgery and suffered from chronic muscular pain, key indicators that should have prompted a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Additionally, the provider performing the adjustment was a substitute chiropractor, not her usual doctor.

“Every chiropractor must take full responsibility for history-taking and red flag screening, regardless of whether the patient has been to the office before,” Dr. Cordero emphasized. “Shared offices don’t mean shared clinical insight.”

Post-COVID Vascular Risks Must Be Considered

While the article avoids broader physiological context, chiropractors must not. The literature now identifies a potential link between post-COVID exposure (including vaccination) and vascular inflammation, clotting disorders, and endothelial damage—all factors that complicate case presentations.

“We’re not saying COVID caused this injury,” Dr. Cordero stated. “We’re saying that failing to consider the full clinical picture including immune system history is negligent.”

Chiropractic Is Safe, Effective, and Trusted by Millions

Chiropractors deliver over 280 million patient visits annually in the U.S.—that’s more than 1 million visits per day with one of the lowest malpractice claim rates in healthcare. Serious adverse events remain exceedingly rare, with studies estimating a risk of 1–2 incidents per million cervical adjustments.

“Every day, chiropractors help millions live healthier lives without drugs or surgery,” said

Dr. Cordero. “And yet when something goes wrong even with multiple unknowns the media zeroes in on chiropractic. Meanwhile, the 250,000+ deaths from medical errors each year barely get a mention.”

What Chiropractors Must Do Now

To protect patients and themselves chiropractors must:

•      Treat every adjustment like it’s the first

•      Re-screen frequently for red flags and systemic symptoms

•      Ask about surgeries, medications, and immune status

•      Document thoroughly, including “normal” findings

•      Refer out when anything seems off

“If your notes don’t reflect your thinking,” said Dr. Cordero, “then legally, it’s as if you didn’t think at all.”

The ICA Will Keep Standing in the Gap

The ICA will continue to defend principled chiropractic care, push back on media misinformation, and ensure our drug-free identity is protected.  We also promote evidence-informed clinical decision making and best practices.

“This isn’t just about one article—it’s about the future of our profession,” said

Dr. Cordero. “And we’re not backing down.”

To learn more about ICA advocacy and how to get involved, visit www.chiropractic.org.

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