At Your Own Risk

Abstract: A medical journalist makes a case for the non-effectiveness and false basis for chiropractic. Evidence is provided for the danger of chiropractic when it prevents individuals from proper treatment of illness. The author researched the theories behind chiropractic, the history, and current treatment by Chiropracters. Completely healthy, he went to the clinics of 2 main schools for treatment of non-existent problems: A slipped disc at one school, and coronary artery disease as evidenced by angiva pectoris at the other. At both clinics he was treated for 2 different sets of problems with his spine. In neither clinic did the chiropracters seek to diagnose or identify the "illness" or recognize the significance of the "symptoms". Professional education often consists of teaching salesmanship and encouraging purchase of devices and gadgets. B esides preventing appropriate medical treatment, chiropractic can expose a patient to 2 other dangers: much use of the x-ray and the actual chiropractic "adjustment" which can injure or even kill people. The scientific validity of chiropractic theory is addressed with the views of many medical authorities. The conclusion drawn is that chiropractic has no scientific foundation and can be dangerous. (as).