Instructor: Simon Senzon, MA, DC

2 Credit Hours

Course Description: This lecture takes on the mistaken notion in the literature that vertebral subluxation in chiropractic is only an historical artifact. The lecture traces the history of vertebral subluxation theory in chiropractic and offers a critical examination of the peer-reviewed literature on the topic. The objective of this course is to assist chiropractors to understand the foundation of modern practice and give them tools to analyze and criticize the literature.

Format: Online learning with audio and PowerPoint presentations.

Approved Provinces: NL, ON, QC

Approved PACE States: AK, KS, ME, NV

Approved States: CO, CT, DE, DC, GA**, ID, IL, IA, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, UT, VT, VA, VI, WA, WY

Approved Territory: PR

It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that the program is approved in the state to which they would like to receive credit.

*Approval of this course is not acknowledgment or ruling by the Board that the methods taught in this course are recognized and approved by the Board as the appropriate practice of chiropractic as defined in Section 331.010, RSMo.

**Georgia has approved a maximum of 3 credit hours under the category of philosophy.

“Postgraduate programs sponsored, co-sponsored or hosted by Sherman College of Chiropractic may not always reflect the views of the college or its employees.”

Chiropractic Principles 324:
The Chiropractic Subluxation 1902-1934                                                               
Recent literature has critiqued the modern use of vertebral subluxation in chiropractic without demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the chiropractic subluxation literature. This lecture describes some of the leading subluxation theories from early chiropractic leaders such as D.D. Palmer, B.J. Palmer, O.G. Smith, S.L. Langworthy, A.P. Davis, Joy Loban, Willard Carver, Alva Gregory, James Firth, John Craven, R.W. Stephenson, and Joe Riley. By understanding the ideas that comprise the foundation of early subluxation theory, modern chiropractors may better understand daily practices and procedures as well as theory and models of subluxation.

Chiropractic Principles 325:
The Chiropractic Subluxation 1930-1990’s                                                               
The chiropractic subluxation has many complex and disparate research and theory at its foundation. Some of the models of subluxation have roots in acupuncture theory, reflex theories, and traditional chiropractic theories. Several more recent models include D.D. Palmer’s approach to the subluxation as a subluxated joint integrated with proprioceptive theory. Subluxation theory in the second half of the twentieth century included theory from Speransky to Selye and supported by decades of research with myriad types of instrumentation and analysis methods. More recent models such as the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, and the Vertebral Subluxation Model, included many of the earlier approaches and can be integrated into modern practice.

Suggested References:
Keating et al, Subluxation Dogma or Science (2005).
Murphy et al., How can chiropractic become a respected mainstream profession? (2008)
Palmer, DD. The Chiropractor’s Adjuster. (1910).
Palmer, BJ. The Subluxation Specific. (1934).
Peterson, et al. Segmental Neuropathy. (1964).
Haldeman and Hammerich. The Evolution of Neurology and the Concept of Chiropractic. (1973).
Kent. Vertebral Subluxation Models (1996).
Boone and Dobson. A Proposed Vertebral Subluxation Model. (1997).