The definition of chiropractic

Timothy J Feuling. Chiropractic Journal. Chandler: Aug 2001. Vol. 15, Iss. 11; pg. 4, 1 pgs

For many doctors of chiropractic, the definition of chiropractic is simple: The health care field dedicated to the detection and correction of vertebral subluxation in order to eliminate nerve interference that can adversely affect health. To this, we can add that chiropractic is drugfree, non-invasive and respectful of the body's own innate striving for health.

Yet, there is a great deal of confusion about chiropractic since that definition has been disputed, re-interpreted, mis-stated, and distorted through the years. Even within the profession, there are disagreements about the very nature of chiropractic and its purpose.

Webster's "Medical Desk Dictionary, for instance, says that chiropractic is "a system of therapy which holds that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function and which employs manipulation and specific adjustments of body structures (as the spinal column)."

Of-course, each state has its own "definition" of chiropractic for statutory purposes.

Massachusetts, for instance, says, chiropractic is defined as "the science of locating and removing interference with the transmission or expression of nerve force in the human body, by the correction of misalignments or subluxations of the bony articulations and adjacent structures, more especially those of the vertebra column and pelvis, for the purpose of restoring and maintaining health. X-ray and analytical instruments may be used for the purposes of chiropractic examinations."

Even chiropractic organizations have different ideas about the definition of chiropractic. The World Chiropractic Alliance and Chiropractic Benefit Services hold that chiropractic is:
"A primary health care profession in which professional responsibility and authority are focused on the anatomy of the spine and immediate articulation, and the condition of nerv interference .... The professional practice objective of chiropractic is to correct nerve interference caused by vertebral subluxations. The correction is not considered to be a specific cure for any particular symptom or disease. It is applicable to any patient who exhibits nerve interference regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms or disease."

However, some organizations fail even to mention subluxations or adjustments. American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Board Chairman Edward Maurer, D.C., on behalf of ACA's Board of Governors, submitted the following definition of chiropractic to Dorland's Dictionary: "Chiropractic: A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of functional disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, and the effects these disorders have on the function of the nervous system and general health. Treatment emphasis is on spinal manipulation or adjustments and other manual therapies."

In March 2001, at the request of the World Chiropractic Alliance, a resolution - formally known as Concurrent Resolution 46 - was introduced into the House of Representatives by Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-Ill.). Although not technically a "definition" of chiropractic, the resolution states that: "Chiropractic care includes diagnosis, correction, and management of either vertebral subluxations or neuromusculoskeletal conditions performed by a licensed doctor of chiropractic, and should not include the use of drugs or surgery."

Finally, there is the definition of chiropractic found in the Association of Chiropractic Colleges' Position Paper No. 1, signed and agreed upon by the presidents of all North American chiropractic colleges. It says: "Chiropractic is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, and focuses particular attention on the subluxation. A subluxation 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." This definition has also been endorsed by most chiropractic organizations.

While there are many variations, certain common threads run through most of these definitions. The result is a clear understanding that chiropractic:

is drug-free and non-invasive

involves the location and correction of subluxations through adjustments

is directed toward the restoration of nerve function for the optimization of health and wellness

Since malpractice claims often hinge on whether a D.C. provided proper and adequate chiropractic care, it's important for doctors of chiropractic to fully understand the legal definitions of chiropractic, as well as the definitions held by various organizations and entities.

It is also important that each doctor of chiropractic make a conscious decision about the definition of chiropractic to be adopted in his or her own office. By adopting a definition that delineates chiropractic as the detection and correction of vertebral subluxation, for instance, doctors can carefully formulate and implement policies and procedures that are in keeping with that definition. In so doing, they are helping to protect themselves from misunderstandings and potential lawsuits.

[Author Affiliation]
(Timothy J Feuling is vice president of Chiropractic Benefit Services (CBS) and the World Chiropractic Alliance. He assists doctors in maximizing their practices through the proper choice of insurance and related services. Doctors may contact him with questions, comments, and requests for insurance quotes at 2950 N. Dobson Rd. Ste. 1, Chandler AZ 85224, by phone at 800-347-1011 or by e-mail: feuling@cbsmalpractice.com).