The federal government’s proposed plan to eliminate the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at NIH threatens to derail decades of progress in chiropractic care. Despite its modest budget, NCCIH has been the lifeblood of chiropractic research, funneling over $186 million since 1999—funding 72% of all related U.S. government projects. This crucial support has fueled an explosion of evidence-based research validating spinal manipulation for musculoskeletal conditions, profoundly boosting chiropractic's acceptance and integration into mainstream healthcare, including the VA system and major academic institutions.

The stakes are incredibly high, as low back pain remains a global health crisis—the leading cause of disability, opioid prescriptions, and costly medical conditions. Chiropractic offers a vital, non-pharmacological first-line treatment, proven to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain. Shuttering NCCIH would catastrophically reverse 25 years of gains, dismantling research infrastructure and jeopardizing future advancements, as the chiropractic profession lacks alternative significant funding sources. An urgent call to action emphasizes contacting policymakers to save this indispensable resource, ensuring continued access to effective, non-invasive solutions for millions.