Much discussion goes on in health care
circles as to what to call what chiropractors do. Is
the term manipulation or adjustment? To answer this
question lets first look in a Webster Dictionary for
some synonyms of each.
Manipulation:
Exploit, misuse, take advantage, control, deploy, maneuver,
use, ply, swing, wield, grope, examine, finger, fondle,
handle, maul, palpate, paw, probe, touch, govern, sway.
And for
Adjustment: Factor, calculate, align, center,
regulate, convert, scale, tune, dial, select, fine tune,
finesse, modify, tweak, regulate, standardize, conform,
equalize, level, set policy, alter, catalyze, change,
refashion, calibrate, decide, determine, establish,
resolve, set, compensate, make equal, redeem, remedy,
correct, cure, fix, heal, make well, repair, restore,
coordinate, attune, accommodate, conform, harmonize,
integrate, proportion, reconcile, tune, correct, amend,
fix, improve, mend, position, rectify, restore, right,
straighten, service, maintain, adapt, balance, fit,
inspect, overhaul, recondition, refurbish, regulate,
repair, support. In looking at the two it is easy to
see why chiropractors use the term adjustment.
The International Chiropractors Association has a policy
on this subject that says it best; The ICA holds that
the chiropractic spinal adjustment is unique and singular
to the chiropractic profession. The chiropractic adjustment
shall be defined as a specific directional thrust that
sets a vertebra into motion with the intent to improve
or correct vertebral malposition or to improve its juxtaposition
segmentally in relationship to its articular mates thus
reducing or correcting the neuroforaminal / neural canal
encroachment factors inherent in the chiropractic vertebral
subluxation complex.
The adjustment is characterized by a specific thrust
applied to the vertebra utilizing parts of the vertebra
and contiguous structures as levers to directionally
correct articular malposition. Adjustment shall be differentiated
from spinal manipulation in that the adjustment can
only be applied to a vertebral malposition with the
express intent to improve or correct the subluxation,
whereas any joint, subluxated or not, may be manipulated
to mobilize the joint or to put the joint through its
range of motion.
Chiropractic is a specialized field in the healing arts,
and by prior rights, the spinal adjustment is distinct
and singular to the chiropractic profession.
Much discussion goes on in health care
circles as to what to call what chiropractors do. Is
the term manipulation or adjustment? To answer this
question lets first look in a Webster Dictionary for
some synonyms of each.