The Chiropractic Vertebral Subluxation Part 10: Integrative and Critical Literature From 1996 and 1997

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss the history of chiropractic vertebral subluxation (CVS) during 1996 and 1997. The literature during this period offered critical and integrative models emphasized by a need for research into operational and functional definitions. Discussion: Several integrative approaches emerged, from Rome's 296 synonyms to Bergman's Pain/Tenderness, Asymmetry/Alignment, Range of Motion Abnormality, Tissue Tone, Texture, Temperature Abnormality, and Special Tests (PARTS) analysis adopted by the profession in the United States. Other noteworthy contributions included Ruch's Atlas of Common Subluxations, Epstein's introduction of network spinal analysis, and Kent's review of CVS models. Boone's introduction of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research was accompanied by his 3-part model with Dobson. These years also included the paradigm statement of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, which was adopted by the American Chiropractic Association, International Chiropractors Association, and World Federation of Chiropractic. Two other papers included Nelson's critique of the CVS paradigm and Keating's 1996 "Hunt for the Subluxation." Conclusion: The CVS reached a new stage of complexity and critique and offered new directions for research, integration, and development.

Vertebral Subluxation and Systems Biology: An Integrative Review Exploring the Salutogenic Influence of Chiropractic Care on the Neuroendocrine-Immune System

“…Spinal manipulation methods, employed by numerous professions including physiotherapists, osteopaths, and some chiropractors, are often targeted at arbitrary regions of the spine (“manipulable lesions”), and are intended to reduce pain and improve general spinal or regional mobility. In contrast, the specific chiropractic adjustment, employed by a different subset of the chiropractic profession, is a targeted intervention directed at a discrete spinal segment (or segments) that exhibits characteristics of VS. VS is a specific clinical spinal abnormality that perturbs the normal intervertebral relationships of one or more articulations of the spinal column or the immediate weight-bearing components of the axial skeleton, is accompanied by a change in the morphology of the tissue occupying the neural canal and/or intervertebral foramina, and alters neural function sufficiently to interfere with the transmission of organizing information [ 179 , 180 ]. The neurological derangements characteristic of VS may include dysafferentation, dysponesis, dysautonomia, changes to neuroplasticity, and changes to ephaptic transmission [ 181 ].…”

Doing the Same Thing and Expecting a Different Outcome: It Is Time for a Questioning Philosophy and Theory-Driven Chiropractic Research

“…A plethora of subluxation hypotheses were developed by a number of chiropractors during that time, most of whom developed a treatment technique during this period, and a few advocated for serious scientific inquiry into the profession's foundations and core beliefs. 11,12 Yet a serious research enterprise did not exist until the 1970s.…”

“…46 Hence, although research by advocates of traditional chiropractic philosophy may accept the research findings that support some aspects of their practice, such as for the treatment of acute or chronic neck or back pain or headaches, they may reject research that questions routine use of x-ray to detect misalignments because not x-raying every patient may run counter to their core beliefs and philosophy. The recent review of subluxation hypotheses from the founding of the profession to the modern era authored by Senzon 11,12,[47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] underscores a problem. Most of the reference citations used in this historical treatise are supported by little clinical validity research.…”

“…102,[104][105][106][107][108] The neurodystrophy hypothesis, which includes the idea that immunity and inflammatory reactions may be altered by nerve activity changes as a result of spinal lesions, was offered by Janse, who cited Leonard Faye's 1967 heuristic subluxation complex and the writings of other chiropractors like R. J. Watkins. 109,110 Charles "Skip" Lantz, PhD, DC, 12,69 helped introduce chiropractors to the idea that inflammation may result from spinal lesions such as subluxation, and the inflammation hypothesis has seen promising support after inquiry by chiropractic scientists in the past decade. 74,76,111 Similarly, scientists began to investigate blood pressure changes after chiropractic in tests of the somatoautonomic hypothesis.…”