Chiropractic care is often misunderstood and many times misrepresented in mainstream media, but when a remarkable story about a newborn’s recovery through chiropractic adjustments surfaces, it brings the profound impact of this care into the spotlight. Such is the case with a recent Fox News article featuring the journey of little Lily Freeman, an Ohio baby who found relief from severe discomfort and colic-like symptoms thanks to chiropractic care.
However, the heartwarming story was met with lies and inflammatory statements from Beth Natt MD, System Medical Director of Pediatrics at Atlantic Health System in Morristown New Jersey. Despite having never attended chiropractic college or received a license to practice chiropractic, Natt made false statements and claims about the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care for children.
So egregious were Natt's comments that the ChiroFutures Malpractice Program wrote a letter to Natt and Atlantic Health Systems warning them that they were engaging in potentially unlawful behavior.
CLICK HERE for a copy of the letter
Chiropractic care, especially for infants and children, is a subject that stirs up debate. On one hand, we have the undeniable success stories like Lily’s, where parents, after exhausting other medical avenues, find solace and solutions in chiropractic adjustments. On the other, critics like Dr. Natt express false claims painting chiropractic care with a broad brush of skepticism intended to scare parents away from chiropractors. Such actions not only have regulatory implications but may also restrain trade.
Attempts by organized medicine to restrain chiropractic trade is nothing new. On August 27, 1987, federal judge Susan Getzendanner ruled that the American Medical Association (AMA) was guilty of conspiring to destroy chiropractic in the case Wilk v. American Medical Association and she issued a permanent injunction against such actions.
This battle is not new, but it is precisely why organizations like ChiroFutures exist—to advocate for chiropractors, defend against unfounded claims, and ensure that the truth about chiropractic care is heard.
The Case of Lily Freeman: A Chiropractic Success Story
Lily’s story is one that many parents can relate to. After being born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, Lily exhibited extreme fussiness, stiffness, and an inability to sleep comfortably. Her parents, Joseph Freeman and Stephanie Murdock, were at their wit's end after visiting four different doctors, all of whom offered little more than a “wait it out” diagnosis of colic. Unwilling to accept this, they turned to chiropractic care on the recommendation of other parents.
What followed was nothing short of miraculous. Under the care of Dr. Josh Russell at Ability Chiropractic in Hillard, Ohio, Lily’s symptoms began to dissipate after just a couple of visits. The baby who couldn’t be placed on her back without crying uncontrollably was now smiling, sleeping, and showing signs of comfort and contentment that her parents had longed to see. This transformation is a testament to the power of chiropractic care and its ability to address issues that traditional medicine sometimes cannot.
Addressing the Critics: ChiroFutures’ Response
Despite the clear benefits experienced by Lily and countless other children, Dr. Natt of Atlantic Health Systems expressed strong opposition to chiropractic care for infants in the Fox News article. Dr. Natt’s false claims, suggesting that chiropractic adjustments pose a significant risk to children, are not only unfounded but also harmful to the public’s understanding of this vital healthcare option.
In response, ChiroFutures Malpractice Program, representing its insured chiropractors in New Jersey, set the record straight in an open letter to Dr. Natt and Atlantic Health Systems. The letter highlights the legal standing of chiropractors as portal of entry providers, their extensive training in treating patients of all ages, and the overwhelmingly positive safety record of chiropractic care, particularly in pediatrics. The stark contrast between the low malpractice insurance rates for chiropractors compared to those for pediatricians speaks volumes about the relative safety of these professions. Furthermore, ChiroFutures rightly pointed out the alarming rate of medical errors in traditional healthcare settings, urging Dr. Natt to redirect her concerns toward her own field rather than spreading unwarranted fear about chiropractic care.
ChiroFutures: Advocating for the Profession and Its Insureds
This incident exemplifies how ChiroFutures lives up to its mission of “Securing the future while managing your risk.” By standing firm against inaccurate and inflammatory statements, ChiroFutures not only protects the reputations of its insured chiropractors but also ensures that the public receives accurate information about the safety and benefits of chiropractic care.
ChiroFutures’ advocacy extends beyond just responding to criticism. They are actively involved in educating both the public and healthcare providers about the role of chiropractic care in comprehensive health management. They support chiropractors with resources, legal defense, and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the profession. In doing so, ChiroFutures plays a crucial role in ensuring that chiropractors can continue to provide safe, effective care to patients of all ages without undue interference from those outside the profession.
Conclusion: Championing Chiropractic Care
The story of Lily Freeman is a powerful reminder of the impact chiropractic care can have, especially when other medical approaches fall short. However, as the response from ChiroFutures demonstrates, the profession must remain vigilant in defending against unfounded criticism based on false claims. By doing so, ChiroFutures not only secures the future of chiropractic care but also ensures that patients like Lily continue to have access to the life-changing care they need.
In the face of adversity, ChiroFutures remains a steadfast advocate for the chiropractic profession, embodying their tagline: “Securing the future while managing your risk.” As they continue to defend the profession, they also uphold the highest standards of care, ensuring that chiropractic remains a trusted and safe option for families everywhere.
