The scope of chiropractic is as broad as the influence of the human nervous system. Yet, doctors of chiropractic have been challenged by requests for evidence that chiropractic care favorably influences visceral as well as musculoskeletal function.

Drs. Charles A. Masarsky and Marion Todres-Masarsky have responded to the challenge with their new book, "Somatovisceral Aspects of Chiropractic -- An Evidence-Based Approach," published by Churchill Livingstone. The book, which features contributions from sixteen distinguished authors, does a masterful job of addressing a complex and important topic.

The perspective of the book develops from D.D. Palmer's concept of tone, and takes us to chiropractic's scientific future, which the authors call "neurologic holism." The book begins with a discussion of somatovisceral considerations in the science of tone, followed by a discussion of health care paradigms, and chiropractic's history of legal conflict.

Readers are then treated to a review of autonomic neuroanatomy, featuring photographs of prosected cadavers. Transitioning from structure to function, there is a chapter addressing referred pain and related phenomena. Clinical issues include pelvic pain and organic dysfunction; the alimentary canal; breathing and vertebral subluxation; headache as a somatovisceral problem; subluxation and the special senses; endocrine disorders; somatovisceral involvement in the pediatric patient; and wellness and quality-of-life issues.

WCA Board member Christopher Kent, D.C., authored the chapter on instrumentation and imaging, which discusses clinical strategies for the assessment of vertebral subluxation. The chapter includes a historical review of B.J. Palmer's work with x-ray and the electroencephaloneuromentimpograph, to modern procedures such as surface EMG, skin temperature instrumentation, and functional MRI. Research featuring the Insight Subluxation Station is also presented.

If you have ever wondered where you can read about the Winsor autopsies, the HIV study at Life University, the ulcer study at Cleveland College, the pre- and post-functional MRI study, chiropractic and learning disabilities, otitis media, and quality-of-life studies in one volume, this is it.

Should you want to see dissections of autonomic nerves, a photograph of the electroencephaloneuromentimpograph, or a comprehensive glossary, it is in this book.

Terry Rondberg, D.C., WCA president, said, "This book is the answer to the question, 'where is the evidence to support subluxation-based chiropractic beyond musculoskeletal disorders?' The authors have reviewed hundreds of references, and presented the information in a concise, readable format. Every chiropractor and chiropractic student should have a copy of this book, and every chiropractic college should adopt it as a required text."

"Somatovisceral Aspects of Chiropractic -- An Evidence-Based Approach," is a featured book on, and can be ordered from Amazon.com.