Gov. Greg Abbott Proclaims October 2018 "Chiropractic Health Month"

The Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA) is pleased to announce that Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a declaration proclaiming October 2018 as “Chiropractic Health Month.”

“As many Texans and Americans know, pain is a part of many health-related issues from genetic conditions to injuries. Pain is an important public health problem and a major reason why people seek medical care. Chronic pain negatively impacts many aspects of a person’s life as well as the lives of pain sufferers’ families and caregivers,” said Gov. Abbott in the proclamation.

“Though this public health issue is incredibly daunting and complex, Texas chiropractors are dedicated to treating pain effectively and safely as highly skilled professionals. Doctors of Chiropractic concentrate on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. As physician-level providers, chiropractors employ conservative, drug-free approaches to health care and pain management. Focusing on, but not limited to, back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs and headaches, chiropractors’ approach to these conditions can save the public from physical and financial tolls. As a first line of defense against pain, chiropractors’ services can also help individuals heal naturally without the need for drugs or surgery.”

The proclamation goes on to state, “At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about the role that chiropractors play in promoting a healthy lifestyle and how chiropractic services may benefit their lives. I commend their efforts to improve the health and lives of all Texans.”

Back pain remains one of the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide. It is one of the most common reasons that patients visit their doctors, and one of the most common conditions for which doctors prescribe opioid pain medications. As the overuse and abuse of prescription opioid painkillers in the United States remains a top public health problem, it’s essential for health care consumers and providers to understand that spinal manipulation and other conservative approaches can treat musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain effectively and safely.

“On behalf of TCA, we applaud Gov. Abbott for acknowledging the chiropractic profession by proclaiming October as Texas Chiropractic Health Month,” said TCA President Devin Pettiet, DC, who owns and operates a practice in Tomball. “The opioid crisis is gripping our country and we strongly believe that chiropractic care is one of the solutions. We thank Gov. Abbott for recognizing the value of chiropractic and the high quality of care provided by our doctors across the Lone Star State.”

Texas Chiropractic Health Month is held in conjunction with the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM). The ACA, TCA and chiropractors nationwide are promoting the benefits of movement to overall health as well as the prevention of back pain through this year’s theme, “Move 4 Life,” which encourages people to move more now so they will be able to move better later and avoid chronic and painful conditions associated with sedentary lifestyles.

“The bones, muscles and joints that make up our body’s musculoskeletal system require regular movement to stay healthy and function properly. As we age, we are more at risk of developing low back pain and joint problems if we do not get enough physical activity,” said ACA President N. Ray Tuck Jr., DC. “With their nondrug approach, chiropractors help people move better by relieving back and joint pain and improving joint function.”

To learn more about TCA, become a member, or find a Doctor of Chiropractic in your area, visit www.chirotexas.org.

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ABOUT TCA: For the past 103 years, the Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA) has served as the essential voice for chiropractic in Texas. TCA provides protection, state-wide advocacy, information and education for the nearly 6,000 Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) who actively practice in Texas, including its nearly 2,000 members. TCA works hard to advocate the position that the citizens of Texas should have adequate access to the health care of their choice and that DCs are adequately represented in the government’s decision-making process. TCA supports the statutory authority of the individual practitioner to examine, analyze and/or diagnose the human body by any method taught by an accredited chiropractic college and to use all methods of examination or therapeutics taught by these colleges that are within the legal scope of chiropractic practice.