Introduction -- The history of chiropractic -- Current popularity of chiropractic -- Subluxation -- Spinal manipulation -- Other alternative modalities used by chiropractors -- Therapeutic claims by (and ambitions of) chiropractors -- Other manual therapies -- What is evidence? -- Effectiveness of spinal manipulation for spinal problems -- Effectiveness of spinal manipulation in other problems -- Chiropractic for children -- Disease prevention -- Direct risks of spinal manipulation -- Indirect risks -- Professionalism and education -- Ethical issues -- Postscript -- Glossary -- Useful links and books.
Summary:
Of all forms of alternative medicine, chiropractic is the one that is most generally accepted. In the UK, for instance, chiropractors are regulated by statute and even have their own Royal College of Chiropractic. In the US, chiropractics country of origin, most chiropractors carry the title doctor and many consumers believe they are medically trained. Despite this high level of acceptance, chiropractic is wide open to criticism. The claims and assumptions made by chiropractors are far from evidence based. Chiropractic manipulations are of doubtful effectiveness and have regularly been associated with severe adverse effects, including multiple fatalities. The advice issued by chiropractors to patients and consumers is often less than responsible. The behaviour of chiropractors and their organisations is frequently less than professional. This book presents and discusses recent evidence in and around chiropractic in a factual and unemotional manner. It amounts to an evidence-based critique of this profession and discloses the often dangerously misleading information published for the lay audience. It thereby contributes to advancing public health and critical thinking.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.