According to a new systematic review, serious complications of spinal manipulation are rare, but 33-60% of patients experience milder short-term adverse effects such as increased pain, radiation of pain, headaches, vertigo and even loss of consciousness. The study, published in the journal Spine, involved searching PubMed and the Cochrane Library… read more "Adverse Effects of Chiropractic"
Brief Note: The Chiropractic Subluxation is Dead
The General Chiropractic Council, a UK-wide statutory body with regulatory powers, has just published a new position statement on the chiropractic subluxation complex: The chiropractic vertebral subluxation complex is an historical concept but it remains a theoretical model. It is not supported by any clinical research evidence that would allow… read more "Brief Note: The Chiropractic Subluxation is Dead"
Brief Note: Followup on Spinal Decompression Machines
In September 2008 I wrote a post on Misleading Ads for Back Pain Treatment. with particular attention to the bogus claims for the DRX 9000. The Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) show “Marketplace” has just done a scathing exposé of so-called nonsurgical spinal decompression treatment with machines like the DRX 9000 and… read more "Brief Note: Followup on Spinal Decompression Machines"
The End of Chiropractic
An article written by 3 chiropractors and a PhD in physical education and published on December 2, 2009 in the journal Chiropractic and Osteopathy may have sounded the death knell for chiropractic. The chiropractic subluxation is the essential basis of chiropractic theory. A true subluxation is a partial dislocation: chiropractors originally… read more "The End of Chiropractic"
Diagnosis by Handwriting and Dreams
In a recent press release http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/54591417.html the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing announced that they had suspended chiropractor Judith Yager’s license for one year. Her transgressions? Practicing with a lapsed license Using a banned device to treat patients (device not named in press release) Hiring an unlicensed chiropractor to treat patients… read more "Diagnosis by Handwriting and Dreams"
Chiropractic and Deafness: Back to 1895
Chiropractic originated in 1895 when D.D. Palmer claimed to have restored deaf janitor Harvey Lillard’s hearing by manipulating his spine. This makes no anatomical sense, and few if any chiropractors claim to be able to reverse deafness today. But now a chiropractic website is attempting to vindicate D. D. Palmer.… read more "Chiropractic and Deafness: Back to 1895"
Chiropractic in the News
Three recent news items about chiropractic have particularly irritated me. (1) U.S. Army Brigadier General Becky Halstead (Retired) Speaks Out for Chiropractic Care(2) Chiropractic Helps Child with Brain Disorder(3) Swine Flu Chiropractor’s Handout (1) General Halstead has become a spokesperson for The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a nonprofit organization dedicated… read more "Chiropractic in the News"
Chiropractic’s Answer to Swine Flu: Get Adjusted!
Chiropractors are already capitalizing on people’s swine flu fears. This webpage http://www.planetc1.com/cgi-bin/n/v.cgi?c=1&id=1240864592 reproduces the text of a Swine Flu Handout chiropractors are giving their patients. It boils down to 6 recommendations: Build your immune system by getting adjusted. Limit the amount of sugar in your diet because sugar depresses the… read more "Chiropractic’s Answer to Swine Flu: Get Adjusted!"
A Message from the Spirit World
I have received a personal message from beyond the grave, in the form of an audio file. It was posted at http://www.transgallaxys.com/~kanzlerzwo/showtopic.php?threadid=5229 under the heading American Chiropractors apply for the Zerobrainer Award. It seems that D. D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, has been monitoring the Quackwatch Healthfraud discussion list and… read more "A Message from the Spirit World"
Chiropractic’s Pathetic Response to Stroke Concerns
The chiropractic industry must be feeling the pressure. Billboards, signs on the sides of buses, chiropractic victims’ organizations, and lawsuits are telling the world that chiropractic neck adjustments can cause strokes. The risk is very small, but it is very real. We have addressed the subject before on this blog… read more "Chiropractic’s Pathetic Response to Stroke Concerns"