Episode #39: Chiropractic Science

In this episode of All Things Chiropractic, hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini dive into the science pillar of chiropractic — from anatomy and physiology to biomechanics and neuroscience — and how each plays a vital role in everyday clinical practice.

They unpack the realities of evidence-based practice, breaking down tiers of evidence and common misconceptions that often limit how chiropractic care is viewed. You’ll hear insight into why research still skews heavily toward pain management, what’s missing in outcome assessment tools, and how funding and insurer barriers hold back broader research.

Key takeaways:

• Chiropractic’s proven impact on pain relief — and its expanding evidence for whole-body health benefits

• The value of practice-based data and standardized outcome measures

• How to avoid being boxed into a “pain-only” corner

• The role of chiropractic care in reducing opioid dependence

If you’re ready to strengthen yo...

Dry needling is making waves in chiropractic—but what’s behind the buzz? Is it worth adding to your practice, or just another passing trend?

In this episode of All Things Chiropractic, Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini break down what every chiropractor should know before picking up a needle. They unpack how dry needling differs from acupuncture, what CPT codes really mean, and how regulations and training requirements vary across states.

You’ll also hear about patient perceptions, clinical risks, and the practical realities of integrating this tool into your treatment plans.

Discover where dry needling fits best—as a powerful complement to adjustments, not a replacement—and decide whether it’s right for your practice.

In this episode of All Things Chiropractic, hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini tackle a topic every chiropractor needs to understand: chiropractic malpractice insurance. From choosing between claims-made and occurrence-based policies to knowing when you’ll need tail coverage, they break down the fine print of chiropractic malpractice coverage in a way that’s clear and practical.

Dr. Davini shares why occurrence policies can be a safer bet—especially for part-time or retired chiropractors—and explains how coverage limits, exclusions, and scope of practice can make or break your protection. The hosts also shed light on corporate and personal umbrella policies, plus what to watch out for in those tricky consent-to-settle clauses.

Most importantly, Andrews and Dr. Davini give real-world advice on what to do if a malpractice claim ever comes your way, from securing strong legal support to making sure your policy truly has your back. Whether you’re new to the chiropractic practice or d...

Stop Slouching – Why Posture Still Matters

In this episode of All Things Chiropractic, hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini dive into a topic that affects every patient who walks through your doors—posture.

But this isn’t just about sitting up straight. We're breaking down the real role of posture analysis in chiropractic care—why it matters, how it's taught, and how it shapes treatment plans. Dr. Davini explains how a patient’s posture offers a window into their spinal health, and how chiropractors can use this often-overlooked tool to personalize care and improve outcomes.

From old-school posture charts to cutting-edge digital assessments, we trace the evolution of posture analysis and how modern tools are making it easier than ever to visualize, document, and explain what’s going on beneath the surface.

You'll also hear how poor posture connects to broader health issues—and why chiropractors are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in prevention and education.

Whether you'r...

In this energizing episode of All Things Chiropractic, hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini tackle a topic that hits close to home for many in the profession: burnout.

They kick things off with some surprising stats about the show's growing international audience—hello to our listeners in the UK and Germany!—and even try their hand at a few multilingual greetings to keep things light before diving into the heavy stuff.

The heart of the episode centers around the often-overlooked reality of burnout in chiropractic care. Drawing on a compelling PubMed article, Paul and Dr. Davini explore the unique stressors chiropractors face: professional isolation, identity struggles, and the constant emotional demands of patient care. Dr. Davini speaks candidly about feeling overwhelmed by ever-evolving tech and the mountain of administrative work, connecting these pressures to the emotional and physical fatigue many chiropractors experience.

But this episode isn’t just about naming the problem—...

In this enlightening episode of All Things Chiropractic, hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini take a deep dive into one of the most essential—yet often overlooked—components of chiropractic billing: the CMS 1500 claim form.

While it might seem mundane at first glance, Paul and Mark reveal just how pivotal this form is to your practice's financial health and legal protection. With a focus on risk management, compliance, and billing education, they unpack the significance of each section of the form and explain how even minor errors can have major consequences.

Tune in as they answer critical questions:

• Why is the CMS 1500 still used in the age of electronic submissions?

• What’s the story behind that mysterious QR code?

• How does the form connect to the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC)?

• Why is the back of the form important, even in an electronic world?

• What are taxonomy codes, and how do they define your specialty on a claim?

You'll also hear real-...

In this intriguing episode of All Things Chiropractic, hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini delve into the fascinating world of hormesis, a concept suggesting that low-dose stressors might actually benefit the body. Forget about magical spells or infamous canned meats; hormesis is all about how certain sub-threshold stress factors, typically deemed harmful, could promote healing and longevity.

Dr. Davini introduces the audience to how hormesis plays a critical role in various domains such as diet, exercise, and even therapeutic radiation. The discussion highlights surprising evidence from survivors of Hiroshima and unintended experiments in Taiwan, suggesting that a bit of stress might just help people live longer. They even touch on popular wellness trends like intermittent fasting and cold plunging, breaking down their connections to this anti-aging process.

Whilst joking about scenarios like irradiated superheroes and pigging out on blueberry pie, the hosts remind listeners to c...

In this episode of All Things Chiropractic, hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini delve into the intricate world of chiropractic billing and coding of manual therapy techniques. With a hint of detective flair, they explore the evolution and challenges of coding, specifically focusing on the controversial code 97140. Gain insight into the historical changes initiated by the American Medical Association and how these changes impact billing practices for chiropractors and osteopaths alike.

Dr. Davini and Andrews discuss the implications of anatomical site restrictions and the ongoing struggle for chiropractors to receive fair compensation for manual therapy services. They shed light on the differences between chiropractic adjustments, mobilization, and manual therapy techniques, emphasizing the need for clear distinctions among different healthcare professions. This episode offers valuable perspectives on maintaining compliance while advocating for the profession's financial sustainabil...

Join hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini in an insightful discussion about the chiropractic subluxation. Discover the challenges faced by chiropractors in reaching a consensus on its definition, despite the varying interpretations across generations and schools.

This episode delves into the historical context of subluxation, exploring how definitions have evolved from the times of Hippocrates to modern-day practices. Dr. Davini shares his experiences and highlights the need for a unified approach within the chiropractic profession to ensure clear communication with patients.

The hosts also examine the American Medical Association's definition of subluxation and its implications for chiropractors today. They stress the importance of clarity and consistency in chiropractic practices, encouraging practitioners to adopt a standardized language and approach in treating patients.

Tune in to understand the complexities of subluxation and its pivotal role in chiropractic practice!

Welcome to another episode of All Things Chiropractic, where hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini dive into the the use of X-rays in chiropractic practice. This episode explores the evolving industry standards, questioning when X-rays are necessary and their role in modern clinics.

Dr. Davini shares personal anecdotes from his time as a student supervisor at Palmer, shedding light on the historical reliance on X-rays and their significance in clinical practice. He discusses the advances in digital X-ray technology, debunking myths around safety concerns and the financial implications of incorporating X-rays into chiropractic offices.

The conversation touches on the role of artificial intelligence in interpreting X-ray films and the potential for technology to transform diagnostic practices. The hosts delve into the concept of "hormesis," exploring low-level radiation exposure's potential benefits.

Paul and Dr. Davini further discuss how X-rays contribute to patient education, risk...