When Dr. Mathias G. Pamer of Mansfield, Ohio, first read about "Chiropractic First," he figured it would be a good method to reach those who weren't yet practice members.

"I thought it would be a great way to help instill the principle of chiropractic in the people I spoke with as well as my patients," he explained.

Once he read the book, he knew that it would help everyone understand the truth about chiropractic. He began buying the books in large volume, distributing them as widely as possible.

"We give them to patients during our doctor's report, and at spinal screenings and all the speaking engagements we do," he noted. "This is one way we choose to bless everyone we come in contact with. It leaves a lasting impression about our clinic and the principle of chiropractic."

"Chiropractic First," written by Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., president of the World Chiropractic Alliance and publisher of The Chiropractic Journal, has become one of the best selling chiropractic books in circulation. It has sold close to 750,000 copies since its initial publication in 1996.

The book covers a wide variety of topics, from the history of chiropractic to the basic health concepts underpinning the profession. Dr. Rondberg explains health and chiropractic in a simple yet accurate manner, providing information that patients and even many chiropractic staff members find valuable.

Dr. Pamer would be the first to agree. "When people read 'Chiropractic First,' they begin to understand the principle of chiropractic," he explains. "They begin to realize that the nerve system controls all function and healing of the human body and that pain and symptoms have very little, if anything, to do with health."

He added, "The more they understand the principle, the more excited they become about their own health and life potential and the more they will tell their friends."

To make sure as many people as possible are made aware of these truths about health, Pamer purchases and distributes at least 100 books every month and recently put in an order for 1,000 copies.

It's part of the reason Pamer has a thriving practice, with some 800 patient visits each week and 60 to 70 new patients each month. Asked to give other doctors recommendations for growing their own practices, he stated, "The best advice, in my opinion is to shout the principle of chiropractic and give of yourself. God will then take care of you the way He wants to. That is what I was taught by my parents, especially my dad."

In addition to his dad, whom he calls his mentor and best friend, he says his role models have been Jesus Christ, Drs. Robert Schiffman, Ben Lerner and Sid Williams. He is quick to point out the wisdom they handed down to him. "My dad always says, 'You can't cheat the principle," he recalled. He also repeated a quote from Dr. Schiffman which he found particularly meaningful. "You can't be a principled chiropractor and lack for patients. You can't be a principled chiropractic and lack for money."

Pamer stressed that "patient education is just as vital to a solid practice as new patients. If you can't keep patients when they come in, it's all wasted. Doctors should spend as much time as needed to help patients understand the principles of chiropractic. They need to know and understand that they need what you can give for a lifetime."