chiropractic
1
I hate to attack chiropractic since it has so many devotees, but here goes.
The basic theory of chiropractic is that subluxations are the cause of most medical problems. A subluxation is a misalignment of the spine that allegedly interferes with nerve signals from the brain.
Chiropractors think that by adjusting the misalignments they can thereby restore the nerve signals and cure health problems.
This theory was first propounded in 1895 by D.D. Palmer, a grocer from Davenport, Iowa. There is little scientific evidence to support the theory. Most support for the theory comes from testimonials of people who claim to have been helped by chiropractic. Whether they were helped because nerves were unblocked is not always that clear. Most of these have been people with back pain that has been alleviated by spinal manipulation. This is not to say that chiropractors don't help people with aching backs, including people with chronic back problems. It is the theory of subluxations that has not been supported by scientific studies.
A good massage often gives short term relief. Chiropractic does not solve problems.
