Strokes Due to Chiropractic Cervical Manipulation

The Chiropractic Subluxation

In 1996, the Association of Chiropractic Colleges joined in a "consensus" definition of the subluxation: The body's innate recuperative power is affected by and integrated through the nervous system. Chiropractic is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, and focuses particular attention on the “subluxation” . . . [which is] a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health. Since human function is neurologically integrated, chiropractors evaluate and facilitate biomechanical and neuro-biological function and integrity . .. utiliz[ing] adjustive and other clinical procedures unique to the chiropractic discipline. National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Job Analysis of Chiropractic, (Greeley, CO: National Board of Chiropractic Examiners 2005), 140-144.

The consensus remains loyal to early chiropractic philosophy in that it posits:

1. The body has an inherent recuperative power mediated by the nervous system;

2. Changes in the vertebral joints, called subluxations, can affect "neural integrity;"

3. These changes "may" influence organ function and general health; and

4. Chiropractic adjustments are the remedy.

Chiropractors have tried to put forth some support based on generally accepted scientific principles for the existence of the chiropractic subluxation (however defined), without success. In fact, there is growing criticism of subluxation-based chiropractic in the chiropractic community. Nevertheless, the vast majority of chiropractors believe in the existence of the subluxation, its clinical significance and that chiropractic adjustments/manipulations are the remedy.

Note that chiropractors do not claim to "cure" anything. Rather, again, they claim that subluxations cause "nerve interference," which is in turn the actual cause of the patient's condition. Removing the subluxation restores "neural integrity," thereby enabling the body's self-healing ability. Some chiropractors, called "straights," stick solely to the detection and correction of subluxations. Others, called "mixers," also use other forms of both conventional therapies (like ice packs and heat for hack pain) and other alternative therapies (such accupuncture and herbal supplements).

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© 2009 Jann Johnson Bellamy, J.D., (jbellamy@alternativemedsafety.org), Campaign for Alternative Medicine Consumer Safety. Reprinted by The Abelson Law Firm with permission. Further reproduction prohibited without permission of the author.