Redefining Subluxation: Politics, Not Science, Keeps Shifting the Meaning of Vertebral Subluxation

Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation – White Paper

Journal of Philosophy, Principles, & Practice of Chiropractic ~ April 15, 2025 ~ Pages 1-5.

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Abstract

The chiropractic profession’s most fundamental concept—vertebral subluxation—has suffered from decades of definitional instability. These changes, often masked as scientific progress, are primarily political maneuvers aimed at achieving unity within a fragmented profession. Instead, they have created ambiguity, fostered internal conflict, and eroded public and scientific trust. Despite these efforts, unity remains elusive. As Boone and Dobson assert, the solution is not redefining subluxation to suit various factions but operationalizing the original definition through scientific investigation. This white paper asserts that chiropractic already has a foundational definition rooted in its core philosophy and scientific plausibility. What it lacks is a unified research infrastructure committed to validating that model.

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