• Russell D

• Affiliation / Private Practice
• Affiliation(G) / New Zealand / North Island / Aukland
• Clinical Medicine
• Evidence-Based Chiropractic
• Open Access Document
• Philosophy, Chiropractic
• Subluxation
• Vertebral Subluxation Complex

Objective: To describe the evidence supporting the central concept of the assessment and correction of vertebral subluxation as a core clinical objective of chiropractic practice and to identify a gap in the clinical evidence base that may inhibit greater unity around this central concept.

Discussion: Assessment and correction of vertebral subluxation is a central theme in clinical chiropractic practice, embraced by the majority of the practicing profession and chiropractic students. Chiropractic patients report healthcare benefits beyond a period of therapeutic care and their presenting complaints. A potential gap has been identified in the body of clinical evidence supporting chiropractic care for the assessment and correction of vertebral subluxation. Documenting the assessment of commonly used and reliable direct indicators of vertebral subluxation pre and post chiropractic care or a clinical trial may serve to fill this knowledge gap.

Conclusion: The assessment and correction of vertebral subluxation is a core clinical objective in the practice of chiropractic. Chiropractors in clinical practice, chiropractic educators, and chiropractic researchers are encouraged to address the identified gap in the evidence by documenting the common used direct indicators of vertebral subluxation used both in the initiation of care or a clinical trial and at each progress evaluation or post the completion of clinical trial outcome measurements.

Author keywords: Vertebral Subluxation Complex; Clinical Practice; Evidence-Based Practice

Author affiliations: Private Practice, Auckland, New Zealand; Board Member, Scotland College of Chiropractic Trust

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