A Contemporary View Of Subluxation That Is Consistent With The Founder’s Views: A Commentary
David R. Seaman, DC, DABCN, DACBN
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ August 9, 2004 ~ Pages 1-4
Abstract
The vertebral subluxation remains a topic of debate within the chiropractic profession. Unfortunately, little chiropractic-driven research has been done to elucidate the precise pathophysiological character of vertebral subluxation. We are left to consider various models of subluxation that, while put forth by chiropractors, are based largely on basic science research that has been done by scientists outside the chiropractic profession. That this statement is one of fact, is represented in Kent’s review of subluxation models in this journal (1996), in which virtually none of the cited research used to support the various models of vertebral subluxation was performed by chiropractors. This is true of any paper written about models of vertebral subluxation. While this is not inherently problematic, it does illustrates that the chiropractic profession needs to develop and perform subluxation research, and also demands that we be consistent with our application of basic science research when we use it to describe potential models of vertebral subluxation. This commentary will offer a contemporary view of subluxation based on physiology and pathophysiology, which happens to be consistent with the writings of DD Palmer.
Key Words: Subluxation, subluxation complex, nociception, inflammation, pathology
