Alternative medical systems - edit
Ayurveda Chiropractic Homeopathy Naturopathic medicine Osteopathy Traditional Chinese medicine
NCCAM classifications
Alternative Medical Systems Mind-Body Intervention Biologically Based Therapy Manipulative and body-based methods Energy Therapy
See also
Complementary and alternative medicine Alternative medicine Complementary medicine Glossary of alternative medicine

Chiropractic (from Greek chiro- χειρο- "hand-" + praktikós πρακτικός "concerned with action") is a complementary and alternative medicine health care profession that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the functions of the nervous system and general health. Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other This article has been the subject of edit wars and has been placed on probation Naturopathic medicine (also known as naturopathy, or natural medicine) is a Complementary and alternative medicine which emphasizes the body's intrinsic Osteopathy is an approach to Healthcare that emphasizes the role of the Musculoskeletal system in Health and Disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (also known as TCM,) includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China. This is a glossary for terms and concepts being used in Complementary and Alternative Medicine ( CAM) an umbrella term for a large number of practices that fall The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine. This is a glossary for terms and concepts being used in Complementary and Alternative Medicine ( CAM) an umbrella term for a large number of practices that fall Greek (el ελληνική γλώσσα or simply el ελληνικά — "Hellenic" is an Indo-European language, spoken today by 15-22 million people mainly A health care provider or health professional is an organization or person who delivers proper Health care in a systematic way professionally to any individual in Diagnosis is the identification by Process of elimination, of the nature of anything The musculoskeletal system (also known as the locomotor system is an organ system that gives Animals the ability to physically move using the Muscles and The nervous system is a Network of specialized cells that communicate information about an animal's surroundings and itself It emphasizes manual therapy including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation. Manual Therapy encompasses the treatment of Health ailments of various Etiologies through 'hands-on' physical intervention Spinal adjustment and chiropractic adjustment are terms used by Chiropractors to describe their approaches to Spinal manipulation, as well as some In Medicine, the term soft tissue refers to tissues that connect support or surround other structures and organs of the body ^[1] Traditionally, it is based on the premise that a vertebral subluxation or spinal joint dysfunction can interfere with the nervous system and result in many different conditions of diminished health. Vertebral subluxation is a Chiropractic term that is used to describe a myriad of signs and symptoms ( Syndrome) thought to occur as a result of a misaligned or In Human anatomy, the vertebral column ( backbone or spine) is a column of 34 Vertebrae the Sacrum, Intervertebral Today, this alternative form of therapy examines the relationship between structure and function and its impact on neurological mechanisms in both health and disease. ^[2][3][4]

Chiropractors usually obtain one of the following equivalent first professional degrees in chiropractic medicine (D. A first professional degree is a type of Academic degree designed to prepare the holder for a particular profession by emphasizing practical skills over theory and analysis C. or D. C. M. or B. Chiro or M. Chiro). Chiropractors use a combination of treatments that are predicated on the specific needs of the individual patient. A chiropractor can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment and management plan that can include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, prescription of exercises, and health and lifestyle counseling. Spinal adjustment and chiropractic adjustment are terms used by Chiropractors to describe their approaches to Spinal manipulation, as well as some Soft tissue therapy (STT is the Assessment, Treatment and management of Soft tissue injury pain and dysfunction primarily of the neuromusculoskeletal ^[5]

Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by D. D. Palmer in the USA, and is practiced in more than 100 countries. Year 1895 ( MDCCCXCV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Daniel David Palmer or DD Palmer ( March 7, 1845 &ndash October 20, 1913) was the founder of Chiropractic. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the ^[6] Since its inception, chiropractic has been controversial, both within the profession and in the medical and scientific community, particularly regarding the metaphysical approach espoused by its founders and advocated by "straight" chiropractors. ^[7][8] This same criticism may have been the catalyst that allowed some within the profession to emphasize primarily a neuromusculoskeletal approach in their educational curriculum, leading them away from the original metaphysical explanations of their predecessors towards more scientific ones. The Council on Chiropractic Education - USA (CCE-USA is an agency for accreditation of programs and institutions offering the doctor of Chiropractic degree ^[9][10]

Chiropractors have historically fallen into two main groups, "straights" and "mixers"; both have had off-shoots. ^[11][12] Significant differences regarding scope of practice, claims made about spinal manipulation, and beliefs regarding professional integration, differentiate the various schools of thought and practice styles held within the profession. Scope of Practice is a terminology used by state licensing boards for various professions that defines the procedures actions and processes that are permitted for the licensed individual ^[13] There have been internal conflicts that exist to this day. ^[14] Traditional and evidence-based chiropractic beliefs range from vitalism to materialism. ^[15]

The utilization of chiropractic has increased in popularity. ^[16] The profession has remained unified with a continuous commitment to clinical care. Chiropractic's greatest contribution to health care may be its patient-physician relationship and hands-on treatment. Patients are usually satisfied with the treatment they received. ^[11]

The principles of evidence-based medicine has grown in prominence and have been used to review research studies and generate practice guidelines. Evidence-based medicine (EBM aims to apply Evidence gained from the Scientific method to certain parts of medical practice ^[17] The efficacy of chiropractic treatment has not been rigorously proven. ^[18] Chiropractic care is generally safe when employed skillfully and appropriately. ^[19] The cost-effectiveness of maintenance chiropractic care is unknown. ^[20] Vaccination remains controversial within the chiropractic community. ^[21]

Contents 1 Philosophy 1.1 Schools of thought and practice styles 1.2 Vertebral subluxation 2 Scope of practice 3 Education, licensing, and regulation 4 Treatment procedures 5 Utilization and satisfaction rates 6 History 6.1 Medical opposition 6.2 Internal conflicts 6.3 Wilk et al. vs. American Medical Association 6.4 Movement toward science 7 Scientific research 7.1 Effectiveness 7.2 Safety 7.3 Cost-effectiveness 8 Vaccination 9 References 10 External links

Philosophy

Two chiropractic belief system constructs

THE TESTABLE PRINCIPLE		THE UNTESTABLE METAPHOR
Chiropractic Adjustment		Universal Intelligence
↓		↓
Restoration of Structural Integrity		Innate Intelligence
↓		↓
Improvement of Health Status		Body Physiology
MATERIALISTIC:		VITALISTIC:
— operational definitions possible		— origin of holism in chiropractic
— lends itself to scientific inquiry		— cannot be proven or disproven
taken from Mootz & Phillips 1997[22]

Traditional and evidence-based chiropractic belief systems vary along a philosophical spectrum ranging from vitalism to materialism. Spinal adjustment and chiropractic adjustment are terms used by Chiropractors to describe their approaches to Spinal manipulation, as well as some Universal Intelligence is a term used by some to describe what they see as organization or order of the universe Innate Intelligence is a Chiropractic term to describe the organizing properties of living things Human physiology is the science of the mechanical physical and biochemical functions of Humans in good health their organs and the cells of which they are composed Vitalism, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical The Philosophy of materialism holds that the only thing that can be truly proven to exist is Matter, and is considered a form of Physicalism. These opposing philosophies have been a source of debate since the time of Aristotle and Plato. Aristotle (Greek Aristotélēs) (384 BC – 322 BC was a Greek philosopher a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. Biography Early life Birth and family Plato was born in Athens Greece Vitalism, the belief that living things contain an element that cannot be explained through matter, was responsible for legally and philosophically differentiating chiropractic from conventional medicine and thereby helping ensure professional autonomy. ^[15] Chiropractic also retains elements of materialism, the belief that all things have explanations, which forms the basis of science. Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning " Knowledge " or "knowing" is the effort to discover, and increase human understanding Evidence-based chiropractic balances this dualism by emphasizing both the tangible, testable principle that structure affects function, and the untestable, metaphorical recognition that life is self-sustaining. In Philosophy of mind, dualism is a set of views about the relationship between mind and matter which begins with the claim that mental phenomena are in some ^[22]

The chiropractor's purpose is to foster the establishment and maintenance of an organism-environment dynamic that is the most conducive to functional well-being of the person as a whole. ^[22] Principles such as holism, naturalism, therapeutic conservatism, critical rationalism, and thoughts from the phenomenological and humanistic paradigms form an important part of the philosophy of chiropractic. Distinguish from the suffix -holism, which describes addictions Critical rationalism is an Epistemological Philosophy advanced by Karl Popper. Humanism is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appealing to universal "^[23]

Chiropractors can adopt or share vitalist, naturalist, or materialist viewpoints and emphasize a holistic, patient-centered approach that appreciates the multifactorial nature of influences (i. Natural history is the Scientific research of Plants or Animals leaning more towards the Observational than Experimental methods Distinguish from the suffix -holism, which describes addictions e. structural, chemical, and psychological) on the functioning of the body in health and disease and recognizes the dynamics and interplay between lifestyle, environment, and health. This holistic paradigm is also blended with a biopsychosocial approach, which is also emphasized in chiropractic care. The biopsychosocial model is a general model or approach In addition, chiropractors also retain naturopathic and naturalist principles that suggest decreased "host resistance" of the body facilitates the disease process and that natural interventions are preferable towards strengthening the host in its effort to optimize function and return to homeostasis. Naturopathic medicine (also known as naturopathy, or natural medicine) is a Complementary and alternative medicine which emphasizes the body's intrinsic Homeostasis (from Greek: ὅμος hómos, "equal" and ιστημι istēmi, "to stand" lit ^[22] Chiropractic care primarily emphasizes manipulation and other manual therapies as an alternative than medications and surgery. ^[24]

Chiropractors also commonly use nutrition, exercise, patient education, health promotion and lifestyle counseling as part of their holistic outlook towards preventive health care. ^[25] Chiropractic's claim to improve health by improving biomechanical and neural function by the manual correction of joint and soft tissue dysfunctions of the neuromusculoskeletal system differentiates it from mainstream medicine and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) disciplines, but is also rooted, in part, in osteopathy and eastern medicine interventions. Osteopathy is an approach to Healthcare that emphasizes the role of the Musculoskeletal system in Health and Disease. ^[23] All chiropractic paradigms emphasize the spine as their focus, but their rationales for treatment vary depending on their particular belief system.

The philosophy of chiropractic also stresses the importance of prevention and primarily utilizes a pro-active approach and a wellness model to achieve this goal. In Medicine, prevention is any activity which reduces the burden of mortality or morbidity from Disease. ^[26] For some, prevention includes a concept of "maintenance care" that attempts to "detect and correct" structural imbalances of the neuromusculoskeletal system while in its primary, or functional state. ^[27] The objective is early identification of mechanical dysfunctions to prevent or delay permanent pathological changes. ^[28]

In summary, the major premises regarding the philosophy of chiropractic include:^[22]

• Holism

• non-invasive, emphasizes patient's inherent recuperative abilities
• recognizes dynamics between lifestyle, environment, and health
• spine and health are related in an important and fundamental way, and this relationship is mediated through the nervous system. ^[15]
• recognizes the centrality of the nervous system and its intimate relationship with both the structural and regulatory capacities of the body
• appreciates the multifactorial nature of influences (structural, chemical, and psychological) on the nervous system

• Conservatism

• balances the benefits against the risks of clinical interventions
• emphasizes non-invasive treatments to minimize risk with a preference to avoid surgery and medication
• recognizes as imperative the need to monitor progress and effectiveness through appropriate diagnostic procedures
• prevents unnecessary barriers in the doctor-patient encounter

• Manual and biopsychosocial approaches

• strives toward early intervention, emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment of reversible conditions before loss of functionality
• emphasizes a patient-centered model in which the patient is considered to be indispensable in, and ultimately responsible for, the maintenance of health^[15]
• approach of improving health through influencing function through structure primarily via manual therapies

Schools of thought and practice styles

Range of belief perspectives in chiropractic

perspective attribute	potential belief endpoints
scope of practice:	narrow ("straight") ←	→ broad ("mixer")
diagnostic approach:	intuitive ←	→ analytical
philosophic orientation:	vitalistic ←	→ materialistic
scientific orientation:	descriptive ←	→ experimental
process orientation:	implicit ←	→ explicit
practice attitude:	doctor/model-centered ←	→ patient/situation-centered
professional integration:	separate and distinct ←	→ integrated into mainstream
taken from Mootz & Phillips 1997[22]

Common themes to chiropractic care include holistic, conservative and non-medication approaches via manual therapy. Manual Therapy encompasses the treatment of Health ailments of various Etiologies through 'hands-on' physical intervention ^[29] Still, significant differences exist amongst the practice styles, claims and beliefs between various chiropractors. ^[13]

Straight chiropractors are the oldest movement. ^[30] They adhere to the philosophical principles set forth by D. D. and B. J. Palmer, and retain metaphysical definitions and vitalistic qualities. Vitalism, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical Straight chiropractors believe that vertebral subluxation leads to interference with an Innate intelligence within the human nervous system and is a primary underlying risk factor for almost any disease. Innate Intelligence is a Chiropractic term to describe the organizing properties of living things Straights view the medical diagnosis of patient complaints (which they consider to be the "secondary effects" of subluxations) to be unnecessary for treatment. Thus, straight chiropractors are concerned primarily with the detection and correction of vertebral subluxation via adjustment and do not "mix" other types of therapies. ^[31] Their philosophy and explanations are metaphysical in nature and prefer to use traditional chiropractic lexicon (i. e. perform spinal analysis, detect subluxation, correct with adjustment, etc. ). They prefer to remain separate and distinct from mainstream health care.

Mixer chiropractors are an early offshoot of the straight movement. This branch "mixes" diagnostic and treatment approaches from naturopathic, osteopathic, medical, and chiropractic viewpoints. Unlike straight chiropractors, mixers believe subluxation is one of the many causes of disease, and they incorporate mainstream medical diagnostics and employ myriad treatments including joint and soft tissue manipulation, electromodalities, physical therapy, exercise-rehabilitation and other complementary and alternative approaches such as acupuncture. Mixers tend to be open to mainstream medicine. ^[11] Mixers are the majority group. ^[32]

Vertebral subluxation

Main article: Vertebral subluxation

Palmer hypothesized that vertebral joint misalignments, which he termed vertebral subluxations, interfered with the body's function and its inborn (innate) ability to heal itself. Vertebral subluxation is a Chiropractic term that is used to describe a myriad of signs and symptoms ( Syndrome) thought to occur as a result of a misaligned or ^[12] D. D. Palmer repudiated his earlier theory that vertebral subluxations caused pinched nerves in the intervertebral spaces in favor of subluxations causing altered nerve vibration, either too tense or too slack, affecting the tone (health) of the end organ. D. D. Palmer, using a vitalistic approach, imbued the term subluxation with a metaphysical and philosophical meaning. Vitalism, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical Philosophy is the study of general problems concerning matters such as existence knowledge truth beauty justice validity mind and language He qualified this by noting that knowledge of innate intelligence was not essential to the competent practice of chiropractic. ^[33] This concept was later expanded upon by his son, B. J. Palmer and was instrumental in providing the legal basis of differentiating chiropractic medicine from conventional medicine. In 1910, D. D. Palmer theorized that the nervous system controlled health:

"Physiologists divide nerve-fibers, which form the nerves, into two classes, afferent and efferent. Impressions are made on the peripheral afferent fiber-endings; these create sensations that are transmitted to the center of the nervous system. Efferent nerve-fibers carry impulses out from the center to their endings. Most of these go to muscles and are therefore called motor impulses; some are secretory and enter glands; a portion are inhibitory their function being to restrain secretion. Thus, nerves carry impulses outward and sensations inward. The activity of these nerves, or rather their fibers, may become excited or allayed by impingement, the result being a modification of functionality—too much or not enough action—which is disease. "^[34]

The concept of subluxation remains unsubstantiated and largely untested, and a debate about whether to keep it in the chiropractic paradigm has been ongoing for decades. ^[7] In general, critics of traditional subluxation-based chiropractic (including chiropractors) are skeptical of its clinical value, dogmatic beliefs and metaphysical approach. Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas, Greek, plural) is the established Belief or While straight chiropractic still retains the traditional vitalistic construct espoused by the founders, evidence-based chiropractic suggests that a mechanistic view will allow chiropractic care to become integrated into the wider health care community. ^[7] This is still a continuing source of debate within the chiropractic profession as well, with some schools of chiropractic (for example, Palmer College of Chiropractic^[35]) still teaching the traditional/straight subluxation-based chiropractic, while others (for example, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College^[36]) have moved towards an evidence-based chiropractic that rejects metaphysical foundings and limits itself to primarily neuromusculoskeletal conditions but retains a holistic approach and an emphasis on manual therapy. Palmer College of Chiropractic is a chiropractic school located in Davenport Iowa. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College is a Canadian Chiropractic institute established in 1945. Evidence-based medicine (EBM aims to apply Evidence gained from the Scientific method to certain parts of medical practice ^[37][38] A 2003 survey of North American chiropractors found that 88% wanted to retain the term vertebral subluxation complex, and that when asked to estimate the percent of visceral ailments that subluxation significantly contributes to, the mean response was 62%. ^[39] In 2005, subluxation was defined by the World Health Organization as "a lesion or dysfunction in a joint or motion segment in which alignment, movement integrity and/or physiological function are altered, although contact between joint surfaces remains intact. It is essentially a functional entity, which may influence biomechanical and neural integrity. … This definition is different from the current medical definition, in which subluxation is a significant structural displacement, and therefore visible on static imaging studies. "^[19]

Scope of practice

Chiropractors are primary-contact health care practitioners who emphasize the conservative management of the neuromusculoskeletal system without the use of medicines or surgery. ^[19] Although chiropractors have many attributes of primary care providers, chiropractic has more of the attributes of a medical specialty like dentistry. Primary care is a term used for the activity of a Health care provider who acts as a first point of consultation for all patients Dentistry' is the "evaluation diagnosis prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical surgical or related procedures of diseases disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity ^[40] The practice of chiropractic medicine involves a range of diagnostic methods including skeletal imaging, observational and tactile assessments, orthopedic and neurological evaluation, laboratory tests,^[19] and specialized tests. ^[1] A chiropractor may also refer a patient to an appropriate specialist, or co-manage with another health care provider. ^[40] Common patient management involves:

• spinal manipulation and other manual therapies to the joints and soft tissues
• rehabilitative exercises
• health promotion
• electrical modalities
• conservative and complementary procedures
• lifestyle counseling. ^[41]

Chiropractors generally cannot write medical prescriptions; a 2003 survey of North American chiropractors found that a slight majority favored allowing them to write prescriptions for over-the-counter drugs. A prescription (℞ is a health-care program implemented by a Physician or other medical practitioner in the form of instructions that govern the plan of care for an individual Over-the-counter (OTC drugs are medicines that may be sold without a prescription, in contrast to Prescription drugs The name "over-the-counter" ^[39] A notable exception is the state of Oregon which is considered to have an "expansive" scope of practice of chiropractic, which allows chiropractors to prescribe over-the-counter substances and perform minor surgery. Oregon ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. ^[42] In some locations chiropractors (DCs) and veterinarians (DVMs) with additional training and certification can practice veterinary chiropractic which includes the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injured animals. A veterinarian ( American English) or a Veterinary surgeon ( British English) often shortened to vet, is a Physician Veterinary chiropractic also known as Animal chiropractic is an emerging subspecialization for Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs and Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs to provide Spinal ^[43][44] However, the official position of the American Chiropractic Association is that applying manipulative techniques to animals does not constitute chiropractic and that veterinary chiropractic is a misnomer. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA based in Arlington VA representing doctors of Chiropractic. ^[45] Chiropractors are also generally permitted to use adjunctive therapeutic modalities such as acupuncture and manipulation under anesthesia with additional training from accredited universities/colleges. History Antiquity In China, the practice of acupuncture can perhaps be traced as far back as Anesthesia, or anaesthesia (see spelling differences; from Greek grc αν- an-, "without" and grc αἲσθησις

Chiropractic medicine is established in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and is present to a lesser extent in many other countries. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. ^[46] Similar to other primary contact health providers, chiropractors can specialize in different areas of chiropractic medicine. The most common post-graduate diplomate programs include neurology, sports sciences, clinical sciences, rehabilitation sciences, orthopedics and radiology which generally require 2–3 additional years of additional post graduate study and passing competency examinations. Sport Science is a discipline that studies the application of scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving sporting performance Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics (also spelled orthopaedics) is the branch of Surgery concerned with injuries to or conditions involving the Radiology is the medical specialty directing Medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases ^[47] Chiropractors may further specialize in fields such as Chiropractic Orthopedics (DABCO), Chiropractic Radiology (DABCR), and Chiropractic Sports Physician (DABCSP) by completing additional study and passing the specified boards that are separate and distinctly different than medical boards. ^[48]

Education, licensing, and regulation

Main articles: Chiropractic education and List of chiropractic schools

Chiropractors obtain a first-professional degree in the field of Chiropractic medicine. Chiropractic education trains future Chiropractic practitioners (chiropractors This list of chiropractic schools is organised alphabetically by country ^[49] Canada and the U. S. require a minimum 90 semester hours of undergraduate education as a prerequisite for chiropractic school. Matriculation through an accredited chiropractic program includes no less than 4200 instructional hours (or the equivalent) of full‐time chiropractic education. ^[50] Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests 3 major educational paths involving full‐time chiropractic education:

• "A four‐year full‐time program within specifically designated colleges or universities, with a 1 - 4 year pre-requisite training in basic sciences at university level;
• " A five‐year bachelor integrated chiropractic degree programme offered within a public or private university;
• " A two or three‐year pre‐professional Masters programme following the satisfactory completion of a specifically designed bachelor degree programme in chiropractic or a suitably adapted health science degree. "^[19]

The WHO also suggests that health care professionals with advanced clinical degrees can meet the educational and clinical requirements to practice as a chiropractor in 2200 hours that includes a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised clinical training. ^[19] Once graduated, the chiropractor may then be required to pass national, state or provincial boards before being licensed to practice in a particular location. Depending on the location, continuing education may be required to renew these licenses. Continuing education is an all encompassing term within a broad spectrum of post-secondary learning activities and programs

In the United States, chiropractic schools are accredited through the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The Council on Chiropractic Education - USA (CCE-USA is an agency for accreditation of programs and institutions offering the doctor of Chiropractic degree The CCE-USA has joined with CCEs in Australia, Canada, and Europe forming CCE - International (CCE-I) as a model of accreditation standards with the goal of having credentials portable internationally. ^[51] Today, there are 18 accredited Doctor of Chiropractic programs in the USA, 2 in Canada, and 4 in Europe and the UK. ^[52][53][54] All but one of the chiropractic colleges in the United States are privately funded, but in several other countries they are in government-sponsored universities and colleges. ^[18]

Regulatory colleges and chiropractic boards in the U. S. , Canada, Australia, Mexico and U. S. territories are responsible for protecting the public, standards of practice, disciplinary issues, quality assurance and maintenance of competency. ^[55][56] In 2006, there were approximately 53,000 chiropractors in the United States^[57] and over 6500 chiropractors licensed in Canada. ^[58]

Treatment procedures

Main article: Chiropractic treatment techniques

Procedures received by more than 1/3 of patients of licensed U. Many chiropractic treatment techniques/modalities are available for use by chiropractors S. chiropractors (2003 survey)^[59]

procedure	% of DCs using it	% of patients receiving it
Diversified (full-spine manipulation)	96. 2	71. 5
Physical fitness/exercise promotion	98. Physical fitness is used in two close meanings general fitness (a state of Health and well-being and specific fitness (a task-oriented definition based on the ability 3	64. 9
Corrective or therapeutic exercise	98. 3	63. 2
Ergonomic/postural advice	97. Ergonomics is the Scientific discipline concerned with Designing according to the human needs and the profession that applies theory principles data and methods A Neutral Spine or "good posture" refers to the "three natural curves are present in a healthy spine 3	61. 9
Self-care strategies	96. Self care is personal health maintenance It is any activity of an individual family or community with the intention of improving or restoring health or treating or preventing disease 6	60. 6
Activities of daily living	96. Activities of daily living ( ADLs) are "the things we normally do in daily living including any daily activity we perform for self-care (such as feeding ourselves bathing 6	57. 9
Changing risky/unhealthy behaviors	96. 6	54. 9
Nutritional/dietary recommendations	97. This article is primarily about the human diet For a discussion of animal diets see List of feeding behaviours. 7	51. 8
Relaxation/stress reduction recommendations	96. A Relaxation technique (also known as Relaxation training) is any method process procedure or activity that helps a person to relax to attain a state of increased calmness Stress management encompasses techniques intended to equip a person with effective coping mechanisms for dealing with psychological stress, with stress defined as a person's 4	50. 1
Ice pack/cryotherapy	94. Cryotherapy is the use of cold in a variety of modalities to treat a medical condition 5	48. 5
Extremity adjusting	95. 4	46. 8
Trigger point therapy	91. Neuromuscular therapy (NMT is a form of Massage. It is distinguished from other types of massage in that a quasi-static pressure is applied to the skin with the aim of stimulating 0	45. 3
Disease prevention/early screening advice	90. In Medicine, prevention is any activity which reduces the burden of mortality or morbidity from Disease. Screening, in medicine is a strategy used in a Population to detect a Disease in individuals without signs or Symptoms of that disease 8	39. 7

Spinal manipulation, the most common modality in chiropractic care,^[59] is a passive manual maneuver during which a three-joint complex is taken past the normal physiological range of movement without exceeding the anatomical boundary limit. Spinal manipulation is a therapeutic intervention performed on Synovial joints in the Spinal column. ^[60] The medicinal use of spinal manipulation can be traced back over 3000 years to ancient Chinese writings. Hippocrates, the "father of medicine" used manipulative techniques,^[61] as did the ancient Egyptians and many other cultures. Hippocrates of Cos II or Hippokrates of Kos ( ca. 460 BC – ca A modern re-emphasis on manipulative therapy occurred in the late 19th century in North America with the emergence of the osteopathic medicine and chiropractic medicine. Manual Therapy encompasses the treatment of Health ailments of various Etiologies through 'hands-on' physical intervention ^[62] Spinal manipulation gained mainstream recognition during the 1980s (see History). In the U. S. , chiropractors perform over 90% of all manipulative treatments^[63] and consider themselves to be expertly qualified providers of spinal adjustment, manipulation and other manual treatments. ^[64]

Manipulation under anesthesia or MUA is a specialized manipulative procedure that typically occurs in hospitals administered under general anesthesia. Manipulation under Anesthesia or MUA is spinal manipulation performed while the patient is under anesthesia ^[65] Typically, it is performed on patients who have failed to respond to other forms of treatment. ^[66]

Utilization and satisfaction rates

Chiropractic is the largest alternative medical profession in the U. S. ^[11] and is the 3rd largest doctored profession behind medicine and dentistry in North America. Medicine is the art and science of healing It encompasses a range of Health care practices evolved to maintain and restore Human Health by the Dentistry' is the "evaluation diagnosis prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical surgical or related procedures of diseases disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity ^[67] The percentage of population that utilize chiropractic care at any given time generally fall into a range from 6% to 12% in the U. S. and Canada,^[16] with a global high of 20% in Alberta. Alberta (ælˈbɝtə is one of Canada's prairie provinces. It became a province on September 1 1905 ^[68] The vast majority who seek chiropractic care do so for relief from back and neck pain and other neuromusculoskeletal complaints;^[69] most do so specifically for low back pain. ^[16] Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners such as chiropractors are often used as a complementary form of care to primary medical intervention. ^[16] Satisfaction rates are typically higher for chiropractic care compared to medical care, with quality of communication seeming to be a consistent predictor of patient satisfaction with chiropractors. ^[70] Despite high patient satisfaction scores, utilization of chiropractic care is sensitive to the costs incurred by the co-payment by the patient. ^[71] The use of chiropractic is growing modestly; CAM as a whole is seeing wholesale increases. ^[16] Employment of U. S. chiropractors is expected to increase 14% between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. ^[72] A 2008 survey stated that 69% of DC chiropractors disagree with the categorization of chiropractic as CAM, with 27% having some preference for the term "integrated medicine. "^[73]

History

Main article: Chiropractic history

Chiropractic (also known as Chiropractic Medicine) was founded in the 1890s by Canadian-American Daniel David Palmer in Davenport, Iowa, USA. Daniel David Palmer or DD Palmer ( March 7, 1845 &ndash October 20, 1913) was the founder of Chiropractic. Davenport is a City along the Mississippi River in the American state of Iowa. Palmer and his son B.J. Palmer later wrote that the elder Palmer gave the first chiropractic adjustment to a deaf man, Harvey Lillard, on September 18, 1895, restoring the man's hearing. Bartlett Joshua (BJ Palmer ( September 10, 1881 - May 21, 1961) was a pioneer of Chiropractic. Events 96 - Nerva is proclaimed Roman Emperor after Domitian is assassinated Year 1895 ( MDCCCXCV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year ^[74] Lillard's daughter disputed the account, saying that Palmer had merely slapped Lillard on the back after hearing a joke. ^[75] Investigator Cyrus Lerner found in 1952 that the Lillard story disagreed with other evidence published about the same time, speculated that B. J. had concocted the date of the first adjustment in order to establish priority for chiropractic, and compared the Lillard story to the Tales of the Arabian Nights. ^[76] Palmer hypothesized that manual manipulation of the spine could result in improved neurological function and health. Friend and Rev. Samuel Weed suggested combining the words cheiros and praktikos (meaning "done by hand") and chiropractic was born. ^[77]

Medical opposition

In 1899, a medical doctor in Davenport, USA, named Heinrich Matthey started a campaign against drugless practitioners. Year 1899 ( MDCCCXCIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common ^[76][78] D. D. Palmer insisted that his techniques did not need the same courses or license as medical doctors, as his graduates did not prescribe drugs, perform surgery or evaluate laboratory diagnostics. However, in 1906, D. D. Palmer was convicted for practicing medicine without a license. Medicine is the art and science of healing It encompasses a range of Health care practices evolved to maintain and restore Human Health by the In response, B. J. created the Universal Chiropractic Association (UCA) for the purpose of protecting its members by covering their legal expenses should they get arrested for practicing medicine. ^[79]

Its first case came in 1907, when Shegataro Morikubo, DC was charged with unlicensed practice of osteopathic medicine in Wisconsin. Morikubo was freed using the defense that chiropractic philosophy was different from osteopathic philosophy. Philosophy is the study of general problems concerning matters such as existence knowledge truth beauty justice validity mind and language The victory reshaped the development of the chiropractic profession, which then marketed itself as a science, an art and a philosophy. ^[76] This began a longstanding feud between chiropractors and medical doctors that would culminate in the mid 1980's in a landmark case, Wilk et al. vs American Medical Association (AMA). The American Medical Association (AMA founded in 1847 and incorporated 1897 is the largest association of Physicians and Medical students in the United States Until 1983, the AMA held that it was unethical for medical doctors to associate with an "unscientific practitioner," and labeled chiropractic "an unscientific cult. This article does not discuss "cult" in the original sense of "veneration" or "religious practice" for that usage see Cult (religious practice "^[80] In 1984, Joseph Janse, DC, ND, attempted to describe the divide in chiropractic and medical philosophy regarding prevention and patient care:

"Unless pathology is demonstrable under the microscope, as in the laboratory or by roentgenograms, to them [medical doctors] it does not exist. For years the progressive minds in chiropractic have pointed out this deficiency. With emphasis they [chiropractors] have maintained the fact that prevention is so much more effective than attempts at a cure. They pioneered the all-important principle that effective eradication of disease is accomplished only when it is in its functional (beginning) phase rather than its organic (terminal) stage. It has been their contention that in general the doctor, the therapist and the clinician have failed to realize exactly what is meant by disease processes, and have been satisfied to consider damaged organs as disease, and to think in terms of sick organs and not in terms of sick people. In other words, we have failed to contrast disease with health, and to trace the gradual deteriorization along the downward path, believing almost that mild departures from the physiological normal were of little consequence, until they were replaced by pathological changes…"^[81]

In 1992, the AMA stated "It is ethical for a physician to associate professionally with chiropractors provided that the physician believes that such association is in the best interests of his or her patient. A physician may refer a patient for diagnostic or therapeutic services to a chiropractor permitted by law to furnish such services whenever the physician believes that this may benefit his or her patient. Physicians may also ethically teach in recognized schools of chiropractic. "^[82] In 1997, the following literature was adopted as policy of the AMA after a report on a number of alternative therapies. The report said (about chiropractic care): "Manipulation has been shown to have a reasonably good degree of efficacy in ameliorating back pain, headache, and similar musculoskeletal complaints. Joint manipulation is a type of passive movement of a skeletal Joint. "^[83]

The British Medical Association (BMA) notes that "There is also no problem with GPs referring patients to practitioners in osteopathy and chiropractic who are registered with the relevant statutory regulatory bodies, as a similar means of redress is available to the patient. "^[84] In 1997, the BMA identified chiropractic health care as having "the potential for greatest use alongside orthodox medical care. "^[85]

Internal conflicts

Straights and mixers have had conflicts that continue to this day. ^[14] Objective Straight chiropractors, who were an off-shoot of straights, only focused on the correction of chiropractic vertebral subluxations while traditional straights claimed that chiropractic adjustments are a plausible treatment for a wide range of diseases. ^[86] Reform chiropractors were an evidence-based off-shoot of mixers who rejected traditional Palmer philosophy and tended not to use alternative medicine methods. Evidence-based medicine (EBM aims to apply Evidence gained from the Scientific method to certain parts of medical practice The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine. ^[10] There is disagreement over what does innate and subluxation mean to chiropractic. ^[11] Some chiropractors believe in Innate intelligence, an untestable faith-based belief, not of science, which has been a source of derision for chiropractors. Innate Intelligence is a Chiropractic term to describe the organizing properties of living things ^[87] In Wisconsin, US, there was local chiropractic support to offset a chiropractic anti-fluoridation campaign. ^[88]

Wilk et al. vs. American Medical Association

Chester A. Wilk, DC from Chicago initiated an antitrust suit against the AMA and other medical associations in 1976 - Wilk et al. vs AMA et al.^[89] The landmark lawsuit ended in 1987 when the US District Court found the AMA guilty of conspiracy and restraint of trade; the Joint Council on Accreditation of Hospitals and the American College of Physicians were exonerated. United States antitrust law is the body of Laws that prohibits anti-competitive behavior (monopoly and Unfair business practices. Wilk v American Medical Association, 895 F2d 352 ( 7th Cir 1990) was a federal Antitrust suit brought against the American Medical Association The United States district courts are the general Trial courts of the United States federal court system. The American College of Physicians (ACP is a national organization of doctors of Internal medicine (internists physicians who specialize in the prevention detection and treatment The court recognized that the AMA had to show its concern for patients, but was not persuaded that this could not have been achieved in a manner less restrictive of competition, for instance by public education campaigns. ^[9] A summary of the court's opinion concluded:

"Evidence at the trial showed that the defendants took active steps, often covert, to undermine chiropractic educational institutions, conceal evidence of the usefulness of chiropractic care, undercut insurance programs for patients of chiropractors, subvert government inquiries into the efficacy of chiropractic, engage in a massive disinformation campaign to discredit and destabilize the chiropractic profession and engage in numerous other activities to maintain a medical physician monopoly over health care in this country. "^[9]

On February 7, 1990, the AMA lost its appeal,^[90] and could no longer prevent medical physicians from collaborating with chiropractors. Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) ^[9]

Movement toward science

In the first 50 years of chiropractic, there was a lack of research. The terms science and research were often used as marketing tools. Several decades would pass before research and an interest in science became evident in chiropractic. ^[91] In 1975, chiropractors joined medical and scientific attendees in a workshop sponsored by the National Institutes of Health on the research status of spinal manipulation. "NIH" redirects here For other meanings of NIH see NIH (disambiguation. In 1978, the Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) was launched. ^[92] In 1983 the JMPT published an article advocating "a scientific institution with some capability for research" and was considered the beginning of the scientific chiropractic movement. ^[93] Robert S. Francis, DC, states that "Spinal manipulative therapy gained recognition by mainstream medicine during the 1980s. "^[94] Various chiropractic groups distributed patient brochures with unsubstantiated claims. ^[95] In the early 1990s there was little scientific research into chiropractic. In 1993, the Manga report funded by the Ministry of Health strongly supported chiropractic care for lower back pain. ^[92] At the time, the Manga report "caused ripples throughout the traditional medical community when it concluded that chiropractic management of low-back pain is both more effective and cost-effective than traditional medical treatment. "^[96] A 2001 study says "The Manga report was not a controlled clinical trial but a review of the literature that offered an opinion that has not been experimentally established. "^[95] In 1998, historian Joseph Keating Jr wrote that "substantial increases in scholarly activities within the chiropractic profession are suggested by the growth in scholarly products published in the discipline's most distinguished periodical (JMPT). Increases in controlled outcome studies, collaboration among chiropractic institutions, contributions from nonchiropractors, contributions from nonchiropractic institutions and funding for research suggest a degree of professional maturation and growing interest in the content of the discipline. "^[97] A 2002 study states "Chiropractic theory is still controversial, but recent expansion in federal support of chiropractic research bodes well for further scientific development. The medical establishment has not yet fully accepted chiropractic as a mainstream form of care. The next decade should determine whether chiropractic maintains the trappings of an alternative health care profession or becomes fully integrated into all health care systems. "^[40] Chiropractic began a century ago in simplistic terms but as the profession developed it is now well established with many chiropractic colleges worldwide. ^[18] There are barriers between primary care physicians and chiropractors for having positive referral relationships. ^[98] Despite internal debate and external opposition, its unified profession suggests it will endure as a relevant component of health care. ^[11]

Scientific research

The principles of evidence-based medicine have been used to review research studies and generate practice guidelines outlining professional standards that specify which chiropractic treatments are legitimate and perhaps reimbursable under managed care. Evidence-based medicine (EBM aims to apply Evidence gained from the Scientific method to certain parts of medical practice The term " managed care " is used to describe a variety of techniques intended to reduce the cost of providing health benefits and improve the quality of care ("managed care ^[17] Evidence-based guidelines are supported by one end of an ideological continuum among chiropractors; the other end employs pseudoscientific and antiscientific reasoning and makes unsubstantiated claims. ^[92] A 2007 survey of Alberta chiropractors found that they do not consistently apply research in practice which may have resulted from a lack of research education and skills. Alberta (ælˈbɝtə is one of Canada's prairie provinces. It became a province on September 1 1905 ^[99] Evidence-based chiropractors possess the ability to apply research in practice. Continued education enhances the scientific knowledge of the practitioner. ^[100]

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of chiropractic treatment depends on the medical condition and the type of chiropractic treatment. Efficacy is the capacity to produce a desired size of an effect under Ideal or Optimal conditions Opinions differ as to the efficacy of chiropractic treatment; many other medical procedures also lack rigorous proof of effectiveness. Efficacy is the capacity to produce a desired size of an effect under Ideal or Optimal conditions ^[18] Chiropractic care, like all medical treatment, benefits from the placebo response. Placebo is a substance or procedure a patient accepts as medicine or therapy but which has no specific therapeutic activity ^[101] The efficacy of maintenance care in chiropractic is unknown. ^[20]

Research has focused on spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) in general,^[102] rather than specifically on chiropractic SMT. Spinal manipulation is a therapeutic intervention performed on Synovial joints in the Spinal column. ^[17] There is little consensus as to who should administer the SMT, raising concerns by chiropractors that orthodox medical physicians could "steal" SMT procedures from chiropractors; the focus on SMT has also raised concerns that the resulting practice guidelines could limit the scope of chiropractic practice to treating backs and necks. ^[17] Many controlled clinical studies of SMT are available, but their results disagree,^[103] and they are typically of low quality. ^[104] It is hard to construct a trustworthy placebo for clinical trials of SMT, as experts often disagree whether a proposed placebo actually has no effect. ^[105] Although a 2008 critical review found that with the possible exception of back pain, chiropractic SMT has not been shown to be effective for any medical condition, and suggested that many guidelines recommend chiropractic care for low back pain because no therapy has been shown to make a real difference,^[14] a 2008 supportive review found serious flaws in the critical approach, and found that SMT and mobilization are at least as effective for chronic low back pain as other efficacious and commonly used treatments. Spinal mobilization is a type of passive movement of a spinal segment or region ^[106]

Available evidence covers the following conditions:

• Low back pain. Low back pain (sometimes referred to generally as lumbago) is a common symptom of musculoskeletal disorders or of disorders involving the Lumbar vertebrae. There is continuing conflict of opinion on the efficacy of SMT for nonspecific (i. e. , unknown cause) low back pain; methods for formulating treatment guidelines differ significantly between countries, casting some doubt on the guidelines' reliability. ^[107] A 2007 U. S. guideline weakly recommended SMT as one alternative therapy for spinal low back pain in nonpregnant adults when ordinary treatments fail,^[108] whereas the Swedish guideline for low back pain was updated in 2002 to no longer suggest considering SMT for acute low back pain for patients needing additional help, possibly because the guideline's recommendations were based on a high evidence level. ^[107] A 2008 review found strong evidence that SMT is similar in effect to medical care with exercise, and moderate evidence that SMT is similar to physical therapy and other forms of conventional care. ^[106] A 2007 literature synthesis found good evidence supporting SMT for low back pain and exercise for chronic low back pain; it also found fair evidence supporting customizable exercise programs for subacute low back pain, and supporting assurance and advice to stay active for subacute and chronic low back pain. ^[109] Of four systematic reviews published between 2000 and May 2005, only one recommended SMT, and a 2004 Cochrane review (^[110]) stated that SMT or mobilization is no more or less effective than other standard interventions for back pain. The Cochrane Collaboration is a group of over 11500 volunteers in more than 90 countries who apply a rigorous systematic process to review the effects of interventions tested in biomedical ^[103]

• Whiplash and other neck pain. Whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders (WAD represent a range of injuries to the Neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives There is no overall consensus on manual therapies for neck pain. ^[111] A 2008 review found evidence that educational videos, mobilization, and exercises appear more beneficial for whiplash than alternatives; that SMT, mobilization, supervised exercise, low-level laser therapy and perhaps acupuncture are more effective for non-whiplash neck pain than alternatives but none of these treatments is clearly superior; and that there is no evidence that any intervention improves prognosis. History Antiquity In China, the practice of acupuncture can perhaps be traced as far back as Prognosis (older Greek πρόγνωσις modern Greek πρόγνωση - literally fore-knowing foreseeing) is a medical term denoting the ^[112] A 2007 review found that SMT and mobilization are effective for neck pain. ^[111] Of three systematic reviews of SMT published between 2000 and May 2005, one reached a positive conclusion, and a 2004 Cochrane review (^[113]) found that SMT and mobilization are beneficial only when combined with exercise, the benefits being pain relief, functional improvement, and global perceived effect for subacute/chronic mechanical neck disorder. ^[103] A 2005 review found limited evidence supporting SMT for whiplash. ^[114]

• Headache. A headache ( cephalalgia in medical terminology is a condition of pain in the Head; sometimes Neck or upper back pain may also be interpreted A 2006 review found no rigorous evidence supporting SMT or other manual therapies for tension headache. Tension headaches, which were renamed tension-type headaches by the International Headache Society in 1988 are the most common type of primary Headaches ^[115] A 2005 review found that the evidence was weak for effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation for tension headache, and that it was probably more effective for tension headache than for migraine. Migraine is a neurological Syndrome characterized by altered bodily experiences painful headaches and nausea ^[116] A 2004 review found that SMT may be effective for migraine and tension headache, and SMT and neck exercises may be effective for cervicogenic headache. ^[117] Two other systematic reviews published between 2000 and May 2005 did not find conclusive evidence in favor of SMT. ^[103]

• Other. There is a small amount of research into the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for upper limbs,^[118] and a lack of higher-quality publications supporting chiropractic management of leg conditions. In Human anatomy, the upper limb (also upper extremity) refers to what in common English is known as the arm, that is the region of the shoulder In common usage the human leg is the lower limb of the Body, extending from the Hip to the Ankle, and including the Thigh, the ^[119] A 2007 literature synthesis found fair evidence supporting assurance and advice to stay active for sciatica and radicular pain in the leg. Sciatica is a set of symptoms including Pain that may be caused by general compression and/or irritation of one of five nerve roots that give rise to the Sciatic nerve Radicular Pain, or Radiculitis, is pain "radiated" along the dermatome (sensory distribution of a Nerve due to inflammation or other irritation ^[109] There is very weak evidence for chiropractic care for adult scoliosis (curved or rotated spine)^[120] and no scientific data for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine is curved from side to side and may also be rotated Idiopathic is an Adjective used primarily in Medicine meaning arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause. ^[121] A 2007 systematic review found that few studies of chiropractic care for nonmusculoskeletal conditions are available, and they are typically not of high quality; it also found that the entire clinical encounter of chiropractic care (as opposed to just SMT) provides benefit to patients with asthma, cervicogenic dizziness, and baby colic, and that the evidence from reviews is negative, or too weak to draw conclusions, for a wide variety of other nonmusculoskeletal conditions, including ADHD/learning disabilities, dizzinesss, and vision conditions. Asthma is a chronic Condition involving the Respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict become inflamed, and are Infant colic (also known as baby colic, three month colic, and Infantile colic) is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder affecting about 3-5% of the world's population In the United States and Canada, the term learning disability (LD refers to a group of disorders that affect a broad range of academic and functional skills including Many different terms are often used to describe what is collectively known as dizziness. In Psychology, visual perception is the ability to interpret information from Visible light reaching the Eyes The resulting Perception is also ^[122] Other reviews have found no evidence of benefit for baby colic,^[123] bedwetting,^[124] fibromyalgia,^[125] or menstrual cramps. Bedwetting is involuntary Urination while asleep after the age at which bladder control would normally be anticipated Fibromyalgia (FM is a disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread Pain and tactile Allodynia. Dysmenorrhea (or dysmenorrhoea) is a medical condition characterized by severe Uterine Pain during Menstruation. ^[126]

Safety

Chiropractic care in general is safe when employed skillfully and appropriately. Its primary therapeutic procedure, spinal manipulation, involves directed thrust to move a joint past its physiological range of motion without exceeding the anatomical limit. Manipulation is regarded as relatively safe, but as with all therapeutic interventions, complications can arise, and it has known adverse effects, risks and contraindications. ^[19] Absolute contraindications to spinal manipulation are conditions that should not be manipulated; these contraindications include rheumatoid arthritis and conditions known to result in unstable joints. In Medicine, a contraindication (pronounced as contra-indication is a condition or factor that increases the Risks involved in using a particular drug, Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder that causes the Immune system to attack the Joints, where Relative contraindications are conditions where increased risk is acceptable in some situations and where low-force and soft-tissue techniques are treatments of choice; these contraindications include osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a Disease of Bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. ^[19] Although most contraindications apply only to manipulation of the affected region, some neurological signs indicate referral to emergency medical services; these include sudden and severe headache or neck pain unlike that previously experienced. Emergency medical services (abbreviated to the initialism "EMS" in many countries are a branch of Emergency services dedicated to providing out-of-hospital A headache ( cephalalgia in medical terminology is a condition of pain in the Head; sometimes Neck or upper back pain may also be interpreted Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives ^[127]

Spinal manipulation is associated with frequent, mild and temporary adverse effects,^[127][128] including new or worsening pain or stiffness in the affected region. In Medicine, an adverse effect is a harmful and undesired effect resulting from a medication or other intervention such as Chemotherapy or Surgery. ^[129] They have been estimated to occur in 34% to 55% of patients, with 80% of them disappearing within 24 hours. ^[127] Rarely, spinal manipulation, particularly on the upper spine, can also result in complications that can lead to permanent disability or death; these can occur in adults^[128] and children. ^[130] The incidence of these complications is unknown, due to rarity, high levels of underreporting, and difficulty of linking manipulation to adverse effects such as stroke, a particular concern. Incidence is a measure of the risk of developing some new condition within a specified period of time ^[128] Several case reports show temporal associations between interventions and potentially serious complications. ^[112] Vertebrobasilar artery stroke is statistically associated with chiropractic services in persons under 45 years of age, but it is similarly associated with general practitioner services, suggesting that these associations are likely explained by preexisting conditions. Vertebral artery dissection is the development of dissection (a flap-like tear in the Vertebral artery. In Statistics, an association comes from two variables that are related and is often confused with Causality though association does not imply a causal relationship ^[112] Weak to moderately strong evidence supports causation (as opposed to statistical association) between cervical manipulative therapy (whether chiropractic or not) and vertebrobasilar artery stroke. ^[131]

Cost-effectiveness

A 2006 qualitative review found that the research literature suggests that chiropractic obtains at least comparable outcomes to alternatives with potential cost savings. ^[132] A 2006 UK systematic cost-effectiveness review found that the reported cost-effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation compares favorably with other treatments for back pain, but that reports are based on data from clinical trials without sham controls and that the specific cost-effectiveness of the treatment (as opposed to non-specific effects) remains uncertain. Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA is a form of Economic analysis that compares the relative expenditure (costs and outcomes (effects of two or more courses of action Placebo is a substance or procedure a patient accepts as medicine or therapy but which has no specific therapeutic activity ^[133] A 2005 systematic review of economic evaluations of conservative treatments for low back pain found that significant quality problems in available studies meant that definite conclusions could not be drawn about the most cost-effective intervention. ^[134] The cost-effectiveness of maintenance chiropractic care is unknown. ^[20]

Vaccination

Although vaccination is one of the most cost-effective forms of prevention against infectious disease, it remains controversial within the chiropractic community. Vaccination is the administration of Antigenic material (the Vaccine) to produce immunity to a disease A vaccine controversy is a dispute over the morality ethics effectiveness or safety of Vaccination. ^[21] Most chiropractic writings on vaccination focus on its negative aspects,^[21] claiming that it is hazardous or ineffective. ^[135] Evidence-based chiropractors have embraced vaccination, but a minority of the profession rejects it, as original chiropractic philosophy traces diseases to causes in the spine and states that diseases cannot be affected by vaccines. ^[136] The American Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractic Association support individual exemptions to compulsory vaccination laws, and a 1995 survey of U. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA based in Arlington VA representing doctors of Chiropractic. S. chiropractors found that about a third believed there was no scientific proof that immunization prevents disease. ^[136] The Canadian Chiropractic Association supports vaccination; surveys in Canada in 2000 and 2002 found that 40% of chiropractors supported vaccination, and that over a quarter opposed it and advised patients against vaccinating themselves or their children. ^[21]

References

External links

• Chiropractic at the Open Directory Project

The Open Directory Project ( ODP) also known as dmoz (from directory

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