British Columbia College of Chiropractors Position Statement
Chiropractic and Organic Conditions
Preamble
Chiropractic, medicine, osteopathy, acupuncture and other forms of healing
systems subscribe to different as well as overlapping paradigms, theories
and understanding about diseases of the human body, methods of treatment,
care and rehabilitation. As a result, healing systems differ on the basic
assumptions governing clinical practice.
The theoretical foundation of chiropractic is based on the scientific
understanding that human body functions are governed by the central nervous
system, an organ which mediates activities of body structures and other
organs through the influence of its voluntary and involuntary subsystems.
It is through such mediation that the central nervous system, namely,
the brain and the spinal cord, detect abnormalities in the body, through
manifestations such as the experience of pain. Chiropractic treatment,
therefore, is directed at different body malfunctions through specialized
positioning and adjustment procedures aimed at the spinal column and the
associated nervous system.
Position Statement
1. The general use of the term "organic condition" or "organic diseases"
is too broad and encompassing. These terms have never been specifically
defined in a clear, useful and informative manner. B.C. Chiropractors
are concerned that these terms do more to confuse the public than to clarify
what chiropractors do not treat. Furthermore, the terminology may be used
to discredit chiropractic and to influence public policy.
2. Chiropractors do not treat conditions that are metabolic, vascular,
or hormonal in origin, whether genetic or acquired. Some examples of such
conditions include blood-related disorders, all forms of cancer, diabetes,
and kidney failure among others.
3. When indicated by professional opinion, chiropractic treatment may
be provided to the spinal column in the presence of an "organic condition"
such as noted above. In such a circumstance, the "organic condition" is
not the target of chiropractic treatment. Concurrent treatment may be
provided when it exists with other conditions for which chiropractic is
indicated.
4. Chiropractors undertake differential diagnosis
(a) to make appropriate referrals to other providers, and
(b) to avoid unnecessary and even dangerous treatment where serious harm
may exist due to the presence of other diseases not amenable to chiropractic
intervention.
Conclusion
Although the scientific basis of the chiropractic paradigm has a clear
anatomical basis, much effort has been directed at discrediting the profession's
approach to treatment. Scientific research continues to accumulate evidence
on the effectiveness of the chiropractic approach on various clinical
conditions for which the public has chosen chiropractic care. Once discredited
by medicine as "witch craft", the term "adjustment" or the specialized,
high velocity, low amplitude movement of the spine, has become main stream
as other healing systems wish to include the same as a treatment option.
This is evident in recent public submissions to the Health Professions
Council from medicine, physiotherapy, and naturopathy. A recent request
from the Alberta Physiotherapy Association for chiropractic input in the
development of a graduate physiotherapy curriculum on spinal adjustment
is evidence that the specialized knowledge of chiropractors in adjustment
is unique.
In general, the chiropractic profession is committed to the maintenance
of effective, high quality chiropractic care based on appropriate education,
training, skill, experience and practice. July 06, 1999