Adjustment or Manipulation?
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.
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