Chiropractic

Chiropractic

Alternative medicine
Daniel David Palmer, the inventor of chiropractic.
Claims	Vertebral subluxation, spinal adjustment, innate intelligence
Risks	Vertebral artery dissection (stroke), compression fracture, death
Related fields	Osteopathy, vitalism
Year proposed	1895 in Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
Original proponents	D.D. Palmer
Subsequent proponents	B.J. Palmer
MeSH	D002684

Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of unverified mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Proponents believe that such disorders affect general health via the nervous system. The main chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, especially spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), manipulations of other joints and soft tissues. Its foundation is at odds with mainstream medicine, and chiropractic is sustained by pseudoscientific ideas such as subluxation and "innate intelligence".

Multiple systematic reviews have found no evidence that chiropractic manipulation is effective, with the possible exception of treatment for lower back pain. A critical evaluation found that collectively, spinal manipulation was ineffective at treating any condition. There is not sufficient data to establish the safety of chiropractic manipulations. The rate of adverse events is unknown as they are under–reported. Chiropractic is frequently associated with mild to moderate adverse effects. The incidence of serious complications which can lead to permanent disability or death is probably rare. There is controversy regarding the degree of risk of stroke and death from cervical manipulation. Several deaths have been associated with this technique and it is suggested that the relationship is causative, a claim which is disputed by many chiropractors.