The great subluxation debate: a centrist's perspective

Abstract

ObjectiveThis commentary describes the debate and some of the associated issues involving the subluxation construct.DiscussionThe long-standing debate regarding the chiropractic subluxation has created substantial controversy within the profession. Currently, this phenomenon can be compared with a country with a 2-party system that has a large silent majority sitting between the 2 factions. It is argued that the position held by those in the middle (the centrists) may be the most rational view when considering all of the available evidence. It is also suggested that the subluxation construct is similar to the Santa Claus construct in that both have a factual basis as well as social utility. Ultimately, the centrists must become proactive if they want to protect the profession and further advance the evidence in regard to the subluxation. They must not only engage in the debate, but fund the research that will investigate various aspects of the subluxation and then help disseminate this evidence to fellow doctors of chiropractic, other practitioners, health care policy makers, and society at large.ConclusionThe role of subluxation in chiropractic practice, the progression of this debate, and the future of the profession will be directly determined by the role that centrists choose to play.

Factors influencing Australian chiropractors who choose not to join national professional associations: a qualitative study

“…Some practitioners see the practice of chiropractic as being an evidenced-based approach to musculoskeletal care (MSK) of the spine [39]. Others have adopted an alternative paradigm and believe that spinal manipulation has a role to play in disease and wellness more generally (Non-MSK) by the removal of biomechanical lesions called subluxations that impact on the nervous system [40][41][42]. For example one Australian PA (A.C.A.)…”

Chiropractic Identity in the United States: Wisdom, Courage, and Strength

“…These initiatives brought forth some measure of understanding, but what also emerged was the acknowledgement that there were divisions within the chiropractic profession. In particular, McDonald and the WFC classified subgroups within chiropractic by scope of practice (broad, middle, and narrow), and more recently, authors have observed that these separations persist 5, 6. A unifying identity has not been established in spite of continued advances in research and scholarly activity, education, licensure, public and interprofessional attitudes, and integration into mainstream health care institutions 1 .…”

The prevalence of the term subluxation in chiropractic degree program curricula throughout the world

“…The subluxation construct has been a contentious topic throughout the history of the chiropractic profession [ 28 ]. Adherents of the subluxation construct have argued several rationales for its continued use [ 22 ]. These arguments have come from five primary rationales: professional identity, philosophical, technical, legal and accreditation [ 28 ].…”