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:

For Seth and Megan Bullock, chiropractic is more than a career path. Now students at Sherman College of Chiropractic, they’ve been immersed in the chiropractic lifestyle since day one.

“We were born into chiropractic. That’s all we’ve known since the very beginning,” Megan shares. “It’s always been part of our lifestyle and our family.”

Their dad, Dr. Jacob Bullock, serves as ICA Representative Assembly member for Kentucky, and their uncle, Dr. Ted Bullock, is also a principled chiropractor. But it’s not just family tradition that drives them; it’s conviction.

“We’ve grown up only with the chiropractic thinking,” Megan says. “Especially as you go through big events like COVID… you really learn that’s not how most people think. We really wanted to make sure we could bring that to our own families.”

A deep-rooted desire to serve led them to Sherman College and to participating in the International Chiropractors Association (ICA).

As Seth said, “Our main driver behind that has been Dad’s always talked about just being involved. And there’s no better organization to be involved in than ICA.”

Through ICA, Megan and Seth are finding support, mentorship, and a powerful way to stay grounded in chiropractic’s foundational principles, especially in the pressure cooker of student life.

“You get overworked and flooded with all the material… and it’s so easy to lose your why,” Seth said. “ICA really gives us tools to be able to…focus on what truly matters.”

Megan added,  “While you’re in school, you’re in such a bubble. I wish our world was exactly like our school every day—but that’s just not the reality. Being a part of ICA… they’re going to help you learn how to transition into the real world and teach your community.”

SICA Club at Sherman College

And now, the Bullock siblings are bringing that mission directly to campus:

“In case you didn’t know, we do have a club that just started at Sherman. The Student ICA Club is so excited to be on campus, and we can’t wait to reach out to all of the students and begin sharing all that the ICA has to offer,” said Megan, the club’s vice president.

From adjusting tables beside the kitchen to leadership on campus, the Bullocks are a living example of how legacy and leadership go hand in hand.

Are you a student who believes in chiropractic’s unique philosophy, science, and art? The ICA is your place to lead and grow.

Learn more at https://www.chiropractic.org/ica-membership/ 

Falls Church, VA – The ICA is happy to congratulate Dr. Selina Sigafoose-Jackson, our immediate past president, on receiving the 2025 League of Chiropractic Women (LCW) Legacy Award. This well-deserved honor highlights Dr. Selina’s incredible dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the chiropractic community.

The LCW Legacy Award is presented to women who have exemplified a life of dedicated service to Chiropractic.

Dr. Selina has been a cornerstone of our profession for over 30 years, running a thriving practice in York, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Dr. Kevin Jackson. She graduated from Life University’s College of Chiropractic in 1989, following in the footsteps of her father, Dr. James Sigafoose, a beloved leader and one of the founders of Life University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Selina has inspired so many through her passion, leadership, and commitment to chiropractic’s core principles. As the first woman to serve as ICA President, she’s paved the way for others and shown that dedication and heart can truly make a difference.

The League of Chiropractic Women is a special organization—created by women, for women—that brings together DCs, spouses, CAs, faculty, and more to learn, share, and grow in a supportive, family-friendly environment. Dr. Selina’s involvement and leadership in the LCW reflect her belief in the power of community and the importance of supporting each other.

Dr. Selina’s legacy of leadership and service has touched countless lives and will continue to shape the future of chiropractic. We’re proud to celebrate her achievements and all that she’s done to uplift our profession.

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

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

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 

“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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ICA CEO, Dr Edwin Cordero stated: “I want to be clear—what’s happening in Montana is exactly why Dr. B.J. Palmer founded the ICA and charged us with guarding the Sacred Trust. This fight was a warning shot—and we all know it won’t be the last. But let me assure you, the ICA will always rise to the occasion and stand firm for principled chiropractic, just as we’ve done throughout this entire legislative battle in Montana.”

Background: Chiropractic legislator Greg Oblander first introduced HB 500 and then HB 929 when the Montana Legislative session opened in January for its 90-day session. The process of introducing and seeing it signed into the law by the Governor has many steps; and as we learned in Montana a bill that has been voted down in committee can be resurrected and a bill that is tabled in committee can be ‘blasted’ to the floor.

The ICA was ‘boots on the ground’ in Montana with Board Member, Dr. Hugo Michael Gibson and Assembly Representative Dr. Donald Gibson both attending and testifying at the State Board meeting the House hearing, and the Senate. Additional ICA doctors in Montana also testified.  They were backed up with the ICA home office, most specifically our CEO and Executive Director.  ICA’s CEO, Dr. Edwin Cordero provided testimony via zoom and the ICA submitted extensive written testimony to both the House and Senate. We did significant outreach first in the House and then in the Senate.  While the legislature does not meet again until 2027, ICA will continue our engagement in Montana. 

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The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2025 student scholarships. These scholarships were awarded to outstanding members of the Student ICA (SICA) who demonstrated exceptional commitment to chiropractic through written and speech competitions. 

This year’s scholarship recipients represent the bright future of the profession and ICA.  We are honored to support their journey. 

Written Competition Winners 
Students submitted a written statement ahead of the Annual Meeting for judging.

Student Dr. Sylvia Frierson (pictured with past president Dr. Selina Sigafoose-Jackson)	Sherman College of Chiropractic
Student Dr. Payton Rinkol	Cleveland University-Kansas City
Student Dr. Noah Jackson-O’Mary	Life Chiropractic College West (Nebraska)

Each written competition winner was awarded $1,000.

Speech Competition Winners

The speech competition was held live during the ICA’s 99th Annual Convention in Clearwater, Florida, as part of the ICA Philosophy Lunch on Saturday, April 5.

Student Dr. Lauren Haar	Sherman College of Chiropractic
Student Dr. Sylvia Frierson	Sherman College of Chiropractic

Each winner of the speech competition was awarded $1,250.

These scholarships are made possible through the Coralee Van Egmond Student Scholarship Fund, which honors the legacy of leadership and service to the chiropractic profession of Dr. Coralee Van Egmond, who served for many years as Program Director at the ICA.  Donations to the Scholarship fund are always welcomed.    

The ICA believes in investing in the next generation of chiropractors and remains committed to supporting students who are passionate about health, health freedom, and the future of principled chiropractic. We congratulate these exceptional students and look forward to the impact they will make in the years ahead as ICA members. 

The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) proudly announces the newest inductees into the distinguished Fellows of the ICA (FICA). This prestigious recognition is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession and to the ICA through outstanding service and dedication. 

Fellowship in the ICA is a mark of honor and merit, with candidacy determined by the Fellows at-large. It reflects a commitment to professional excellence, leadership, and the advancement of the profession. 

The 2025 FICA inductees were nominated during the Fellows Lunch on Friday, April 4, held as part of the ICA’s 99th Annual Convention in Clearwater, Florida. Attending inductees were formally pinned during the Awards Banquet that evening.

The ICA congratulates the following new Fellows:

• Rachae Bell, DC, DCCJP
• James Chestnut, DC, CCWCP
• Bradley Glowaki, DC
• Andrew Jeter, DC, PA
• George Lubertazzo, DC
• Shantell Missick, DC, CLT, CKTP
• Benjamin Oien, DC
• Gary Stewart, DC
• Angel Tribuno, DC
• Jeffrey Wack, DC

These doctors exemplify the values and mission of the ICA through their leadership, service, and dedication to chiropractic. We are proud to welcome them into this distinguished community of Fellows. 

Clearwater, FL — On Friday, April 4, 2025, during the 99th Annual Convention in Clearwater, Florida, the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) held its annual Awards Banquet, recognizing exceptional individuals for their leadership, dedication, and enduring contributions to the chiropractic profession.

The evening brought together doctors of chiropractic, students, and supporters from across the country to celebrate excellence in service, advocacy, and leadership. ICA President Selina Sigafoose-Jackson, DC, FICA, presided over the ceremony, honoring the following 2025 ICA Award recipients:

In addition to these 15 awardees, the Awards Banquet included the presentation of student scholarships and a pinning ceremony for new members (pictured above).

The ICA congratulates each of the 2025 honorees and thanks them for their unwavering commitment to chiropractic and the patients and communities they serve.

Falls Church, VA — The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) is proud to announce Dr. Ron Oberstein as the recipient of its highest annual honor, the ICA Chiropractor of the Year award. The award was presented during the Awards Banquet at the ICA’s 99th Annual Convention in Clearwater, Florida, on April 4, 2025. 

Dr. Oberstein has dedicated more than four decades to advancing chiropractic worldwide through clinical excellence, educational leadership, and service. He has served as President of Life Chiropractic College West since 2017 and will retire from the role in June 2025. Prior to his presidency, Dr. Oberstein practiced in San Diego and served on the Life West Board of Regents from 1991 to 2016, including two years as Chairman of the Board. 

A Lifetime ICA member and distinguished Fellow of the ICA (FICA), Dr. Oberstein has been a trusted voice for the profession and a champion for chiropractic vitalism. He previously sat on the ICA Board of Directors and served as Vice President. He has taught chiropractic technique, philosophy, and principles at colleges around the world and most recently served as Chair of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges. 

Together with his wife of 30 years, Dr. Mary Oberstein, Dr. Oberstein has practiced and mentored new graduates since 1986. They co-founded a nonprofit organization that delivers chiropractic care globally, with a focus on underserved children and families in Tijuana, Mexico. Their legacy continues through their three daughters—Drs. Lauren, Morgan, and Sydney—who have each entered the chiropractic profession. 

The ICA congratulates Dr. Oberstein on this well-earned recognition and thanks him for his decades of service to the chiropractic profession. 

About the Award:  The ICA Chiropractor of the Year Award was created by ICA’s Founder  Dr. BJ Palmer in 1950 and presented annually to one exceptional individual who has distinguished themselves throughout their career through extraordinary service to the ICA and the chiropractic profession. Its recipient is elected during the annual meeting of the Distinguished Fellows of the ICA held in conjunction with the Association’s annual meetings. 

About the ICA:  The International Chiropractors Association is the oldest continuously active international chiropractic organization. Established in 1926 by the developer of chiropractic,   Dr. B.J. Palmer, the ICA represents practitioners, educators, students, and lay persons worldwide who are dedicated to the chiropractic profession. The ICA has traditionally been and continues to be recognized as representing the moderate voice of the chiropractic profession. 

The ICA represents and promotes the interests of chiropractic, chiropractors, and the patients they serve through advocacy, research, communication, and education. The ICA Mission is to protect and promote chiropractic throughout the world as a distinct health care profession predicated upon its unique philosophy, science, and art of subluxation detection and correction. 

For more information, visit www.chiropractic.org. 

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