Of all forms of alternative medicine, chiropractic is the one that is
most generally accepted. In the UK, for instance, chiropractors are
regulated by statute and even have their own 'Royal College of
Chiropractic'. In the US, chiropractic's country of origin, most
chiropractors carry the title 'doctor' and many consumers believe they
are medically trained.
Despite this high level of acceptance, chiropractic is wide open to
criticism. The claims and assumptions made by chiropractors are far from
evidence based. Chiropractic manipulations are of doubtful effectiveness
and have regularly been associated with severe adverse effects,
including multiple fatalities. The advice issued by chiropractors to
patients and consumers is often less than responsible. The behaviour of
chiropractors and their organisations is frequently less than
professional.
This book presents and discusses recent evidence in and around
chiropractic in a factual and unemotional manner. It amounts to an
evidence-based critique of this profession and discloses the often
dangerously misleading information published for the lay audience. It
thereby contributes to advancing public health and critical thinking.