The schism in chiropractic through the eyes of a 1st year chiropractic student

Abstract

Abstract Since its inception, the chiropractic profession has been divided along ideological fault lines. These divisions have led to a profession wide schism, which has limited mainstream acceptance, utilisation, social authority and integration. The authors explore the historical origins of this schism, taking time to consider historical context, religiosity, perpetuating factors, logical fallacies and siege mentality. Evidence is then provided for a way forward, based on the positioning of chiropractors as mainstream partners in health care.

Keywords

• Chiropractic
• Status of profession
• Future trends
• Vitalism
• Biopsychosocial model
• Organicism