see also: Position Paper

WCA position paper defends subluxation as sole diagnosis

In an effort to protect the unique character of chiropractic, the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) has developed a position paper supporting vertebral subluxation as the sole rationale for care. The paper was written, in part, as a rebuttal to criticism by some chiropractic boards of D.C.s that do not diagnose medical illnesses or conditions.

There have been numerous incidents in recent years where doctors were censured by their boards for failing to perform medical examinations that are unrelated to the detection of vertebral subluxation. Since the WCA upholds a doctor's right to focus solely on subluxation correction, it has strongly objected to attempts to force chiropractors to perform tests or treatments that have a medical purpose.

The position paper reiterates the WCA's position that "the unique role of the chiropractor is separate from other health disciplines and that the professional practice objective of chiropractors may be limited to the analysis, diagnosis, correction or stabilization of the subluxation."

In support of its position it refers to both the Council on Chiropractic Practice Guidelines and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges' chiropractic paradigm, both of which support the subluxation as a primary diagnosis.

The paper notes that the position does not absolve a doctor from "knowing the limits of his or her authority and skill, and from determining the safety and appropriateness of chiropractic care." It also stresses the point that chiropractors have a duty to disclose to the patient any unusual findings discovered in the course of examination, and that they may collaborate with other health professionals when it is in the best interest of the patient to do so.

"It is our hope that this position paper will be used, along with other supporting documents, to help subluxation‑centered doctors counter arguments that they are, or should be, required to perform medical examinations or treatments unrelated to the detection and correction of vertebral subluxation," stated Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president.

The position paper was developed by WCA Board members Christopher Kent, D.C., Matthew McCoy, D.C., and Veronica Gutierrez, D.C., and was passed unanimously by the full WCA Board of Directors.