Baxter Hickey – 117286
Metaphysics in Chiropractic
1
Chiropractic care has a long-standing history in philosophy and metaphysics. Looking
back at 2700 B.C China, the Kung Fou document describes a form of spinal manipulation as well
as a form of gravity traction that was used to treat the spine (1). The philosopher Hippocrates
described forms of spinal therapy in terms of gravity traction and rachiotherapy in order to treat
the patient (1). He also stressed the importance of how one interprets the spinal column and how
this may be used as a resource when determining the source for the cause of disease (1).
One method to treat various spinal abnormalities was called bonesetting. Bonesetting is
the act of “re-setting” a bone that has been dislocated or otherwise misconstrued in an individual
(1). It quickly became a form of treatment in the working class during the nineteenth century and
was used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as sciatica, lumbago, and rheumatism, to name
a few (1). During this time, results of the successes of this treatment were beginning to be
documented, creating the preliminary foundation of the use of evidence-based practice (1).
Next, the development of osteopathy emerged. This encompassed manipulative practice
that soon incorporated the early stages of modern medicine and surgery between the World Wars
(1). Eventually, the idea of manipulation as a form of primary treatment became a specialty
within the field of osteopathy (1). Despite this, manipulation was not always a separate entity of
the methods used by early physical therapists (1). Rather, it was a modality that was used to
decrease the effects of pathologies such as musculoskeletal issues (1). After this time, physical
therapists began to show interest in mobilizations in their scope of practice (1).
Metaphysics involves the examination of objects or events and the elements or energies
causing them (2). In health care, it is possible to relate this on the level of patient diagnosis and
treatment, an important component in the chiropractic profession (2). Early chiropractic was part
of a worldview that embedded its early roots in a mixture of a metaphysical and scientific
understanding (2). Daniel David Palmer, the founder of modern day chiropractic medicine,
defined chiropractic with a focus on the concept of innate intelligence; a term used to describe
the organization of living components (2). Thus, it can be used to understand the dualism of an
individual’s mind and body (2). With a sound understanding of this, the concept of bonesetting
was seen to be indicative of physical and spiritual health and happiness (2). Observing modern
day chiropractic care, there has been a shift from a philosophical view to a more scientific and
evidence-based view. This was in part due to the increased numbers of practitioners finding
relevant information that would better enhance their patients healing (2). In order to discover the
appropriate answers for such questions, methods such as peer-reviewed research and the
utilization of the scientific method have been used to discover reliable and valid answers.
Overall, chiropractic is an ever-changing profession that has increased in patient popularity over
time and will continue doing so as research continues.
References:
1. Wiese G, Callender A. History of spinal manipulation. In: Haldeman S, editor. Principles and
Practice of Chiropractic. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2005.
2. Senzon S. Constructing a philosophy of chiropractic: evolving worldviews and premodern
roots. Journal of Chiropractic Humanities. 2011:18(1):10-23.