Position Paper on Chiropractic Technique and Instrumentation

The uniqueness of the chiropractic objective impacts upon chiropractic technique. Since the objective of correcting vertebral subluxation is to allow the innate intelligence of the body to be more fully expressed, any technique or instrument that assists in the location, analysis and/or correction of vertebral subluxation is relevant to the practice of chiropractic.

It is understood that inherent within the idea of correcting vertebral subluxation is the knowledge that it is the innate intelligence of the body that truly corrects the subluxation. Technique is a procedure(s) that enables the chiropractor to locate, analyze and introduce a specific adjustive force of such quality that the innate intelligence can adapt that force and correct vertebral subluxation within its ability to do so. It should be noted that a core chiropractic principle is the idea that “normal” with regard to the human spine can ultimately be established only by the innate intelligence of the individual.

Chiropractic is based upon logic and reason. The choice of a particular chiropractic technique(s) requires a professional judgment based upon the individual needs of the patient and the unique skills and physical ability of the chiropractor.

It is understood that while certain techniques may have an objective other than chiropractic, it is possible that a straight chiropractor could adapt that technique to accomplish the unique objective of correcting vertebral subluxation.

Revised June 24, 2011