Senator Brownback describes throwing away his prescription after a month-long bout with neck pain cleared immediately with a single adjustment by Congress’ chiropractor. Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III savors the punch line.

Brownback listened intently to an overview of the need for health promotion initiatives and a description of the proposed degree program provided by Dr. Will Evans, Dean of Graduate Studies. The senator then engaged in a question-and-answer session in which he shared his views on the current U.S. health care system and possible reforms, prevention and health promotion, chiropractic, and environmental influences on health.

Dr. Daniel Redwood moderates a question-and-answer session with Senator Brownback.

Brownback connected early with the overflow crowd, recounting the story of his month-long bout with neck pain, which included a significant loss of mobility. This was cleared in a single visit with Dr. William Morgan, who provides chiropractic services for members of Congress and the Supreme Court as part of his work with the U.S. Navy.

Senator Brownback explained that after having been prescribed medication by the attending physician and receiving exercise recommendations from the physical therapist, he was approached by Dr. Morgan, who was working in the same treatment area. The chiropractor asked if he could take a look to determine if he could be of help and the senator readily agreed. After examining the senator’s neck, Morgan delivered a cervical adjustment that brought immediate and sustained relief. As the senator described it, “I went, ‘Wow! I can move again.’ I felt great. I didn’t do the exercises, didn’t get the medicine, and I felt wonderful. It brought a personal experience to me that you need to have all modes of care available.”

Private Sector Emphasis

An overflow crowd listens as Senator Brownback explains his health care positions.

In a discussion moderated by College faculty member and Health Insights Today editor-in-chief, Dr. Daniel Redwood, Senator Brownback shared his views on a variety of health care issues. Regarding the current health reform debate, he expressed strong support for market-based solutions while opposing a larger role for government, mentioning health savings accounts as a prime example of the policies he favors. He agreed that prevention and health promotion should play an increased role in health care delivery. However, when asked by student Devin Mobley whether prevention and health promotion services should be reimbursable when delivered by all practitioners trained and licensed to provide them (including chiropractors), he replied that this should be based on cost-effectiveness rather than specific government mandates.