CHIROPRACTIC -PARALLAX by Merwyn V. Zarbuck, D.C.
Observers of the chiropractic profession based at . Lorna Lima, California, approved are often awed at the violent, volatile dis in 1985: agreements between individuals and factions. Ch-tFOpi."a(!toPs . rvho utilize . other These public outbursts center on the health modalities in addition(; i. to. manipulation service parameters provided by chiropractors, are labeled "mi:rers" by the straights. and concomitant diagnosis and/or spinal Unfortunately, these -additional tech analysis or diagnosis. The long .term debate niques are often unscientific. Many amongst chiropractors ostensibly overshadows mixers are opportwiists rvho readily the professional responsibility to the patient, incorporate health fads into their and by extension to those who regUlate, practices. Straights chiropractors recognize, supervise, or reimburse chiropractic charge · that mixers are actually "natuFO services. paths" practi
deviants are in the main graduates of the luxations of the 300 articular joints of the National College, the most naturopathic human body, more especially the 52 of all chiropractic institutions. articulations of the spinal column, for the CHIROPRACTIC ORIGINATED purpose of freeing any or all impinged nerves which cause deranged functions. Ninety-five Chiropractic was originated by D.O. Palmer percent of these are caused by vertebral in September 1895, and named by him in luxations which impinge nerves. January, 1896. D.O. founded the Palmer A chiropractic luxation is a partial or School of Chiropractic in 1897 and was the incomplete separation of the joint surfaces; sole developer of the principles, practice, one in which the articulation surfaces remain and the comprehension of both until mid-1902. in contact. This is so often referred to and The principles and manual practices were known by chiropractors as sut>-luxations. developed by D.O. over this period very gradually, utilizing principles and observations EARLY PALMER STUDENTS from current anatomical, physiological, D.O. taught . chiropractic as he developed surgical, biological, and other scientific it; a decision he was to later regret. The texts of the time. The art or skill or replacing course became longer and more complete displaced bones and joints was developed as he developed the principles and practice slowly; the dorsal vertebra first, lumbar of adjusting. Tuition was $500 for the course, next, the lower cervicals and the upper and included all post-graduate courses to cervicals last in early 1901. The act of re the student who returned for new develop placing osseous displacements was first ments by D.O. The course was three months ,. labeled "treatment" or "manipulation" but long, but no diploma was issued unless the was always a singular, manual, high velocity . student passed a rigid examination by D.O.; thrust. About 1900, the act was labeled there were some who were not passed. The adjustment and when applied to a vertebra diploma states that the graduate could prac was "spinal adjustment," "vertebral tice and teach chiropractic. D.O. drew dis adjustment," or "direct spinal adjustment." tinctions · between the qualifications of grad OSTEOPATHY VS. CHIROPRACTIC uates due to their educational experience with him, inferring that the later graduates The singular chiropractic adjustment rendered had the advantages of his more advanced in less than a minute was distinguished from developments. The debate .as to the "era ostepathic manipulation which consisted of graduation" from a chiropractic institution of many manual movements rendered for was initiated at the very beginning . of the up to two hours. In the formative years, chiropractic educational process! osteopaths manipulated to influence blood circulation and remove pressure from blood THE TEACHERS vessels, while chiropractors adjusted displaced Some of the new graduates began to open bones, usually vertebrae, to remove pressure their own institutions and others· taught from nerve. chiropractic by preceptorships. The dispute The basic tenets of the theory of chiro of today was begun by the competition practic science originated by D.D. were: amongst the early schools for students and 1) The vitality and activity of every organ patronage. Thf'y all had to compete against tissue and cell of the body is maintained the established Palmer institution. A descrip and controlled by an inherent force and tion of the tactics of the early school founder e nergy transmitted by the nervous system. is necessary. 2) Normal transmission of nerve impulse· A.P. Davis wrote the first text (1905) which transmission produced normal body functions; claimed to explain the principles and increased or decreased nerve impulse trans application (spinal adjustment) of chiro mission (eit her in strength or frequency) practic under the title of "Neurology." While produced abnormal function. praising the results of the spinal adjustment, 3) Disease is, or is initiated by, increased he absolutely denied the vertebrae dislocated, or decreased body functions. displaced, luxated, subluxated, or "went 4) Displaced bones, especially of the spinal out of place." This position totally negated column, impinge on nerve which cause de D.O. Palmer's primary tenet-that displaced ranged body functions-disease. vertebrae impinged nerves. Dr. Davis applied 5) Chiropractic is defined as being the the theory of osteopathy (the supremacy science of adjusting by hand any and all of blood and fluid circul.ation) to explain the unestimable results of the chiropractic
6/IPSCA Journa~ of Chiropractic/January 1988 continued on page 7 continued from page 6 spinal adjustment. The combination of osteo and published the ONLY BOOK ("Osteopathy pathy and the chiropractic adjustment, along illustrated") that fully explB.ins the PHILO with many other naturopathic methods was SOPHY of Osteopathy." Dr. Still was probably labeled "Neuropathy.11 A.P. Davis, M.D., not thrilled by Dr. Davis' claims on was ada.ment in being known as the Osteopathy. 11 11 originator, the luminary of Neuropathy. About mi~1901, A.P. joined with Allen Neuropathy did not survive, but some of Raymond, who had just received his chiro its tenets and practices appear in the chiro practic degree from D.D. Palmer, to form practic delivery system of today. The the Davray Neuropathic Institute" in Col~ following is a historical exploration of the water, Michigan. The Davray title was a origination and development of Neuropathy combination of the Davis and Raymond as a healing art. names. Thy "physician" in charge was Davis and ANDREW P. DAVIS, M.D. the business manager was Mr. Allen Raymond, a native of Coldwater. This established Andrew P. Davis, M.D., (1835-1915) was a trend in the chiropractic education and a graduate of the 'allopathic (regular M.D.), practice; to use an M.D. as the head of a homeopathic (M.D.), chiropractic (D.C.), chiropractic organization in order to evade osteopathic (D.O.), naturopathic (N.D.), persecution and prosecution by organized and ophthalmological (OPH.D.) schools and medicine. A 4()--page brochure was published also · studied and practiced magnetism, sug which did not mention chiropractic, D.D. gestive therapeutics (mind cure), dietetics, Palmer nor the Palmer School. In fact, Neuro and phrenology. Davis was amongst D.D. pathy was declared to be based on the phil Palmer's early graduates and taking advantage osophy and principles of osteopathy, except of free post-graduate education at Palmer for the method of manipulation; repetitive School, took additional courses under B.J. pounding, rubbing, stretching, and other Palmer in the latter part of 1902. On time consuming osteopathic manipulations December 15, 1903, A.P. Davis signed a were replaced by the chiropractic singular much published affidavit which declared adjustment. The chiropractic adjustment osteopathy and chiropractic distinct from which Davis and Raymond learned from each other, as entirely different sciences, D.D. Palmer was re-titled the "neuropathic with different applications, and in no way application" or the "neuropathic manipulation." related to each other, and independently By the Davis theory, the chiropractic (neuro and absolutely different. The napplication" pathic adjustment) was given to effect the referred to the difference of the singular, circulation, a tenet of osteopathy, which manual, high velocity thrust used by chiro caused Davis to state that he was the practors to remove nerve pressure done "originator of a Neuropathic system which in a few second as opposed to lerigthy series supplants Osteopathy.11 This statement of manipulations used by osteopaths to remove irritated the osteopathic profession and blood vessel obstructions. and restore circu precipitated the hostility between the profes lation, taking several hours. sions of osteopathy, chiropractic, neuropathy, Dr. Davis authored three textbooks: Osteo and other hybrid<; in the early 1900s. Simply ~ illustrated (1899), Neurology-Neuro stated, "Neuropathy11 was osteopathy with ophthalmology (I 905), and Neuropathy (I 909). the chiropractic adjustment replacing the "Neuropathy" was actually a compilation osteopathic manipulation. of the Neuroophthalmology text and the THE PRINCIPLES OF OSTEOPATHY "Osteopathy illustrated" text with the addition of some naturopathic remedies. According to Dr. Davis in "Osteopathy Dr. Davis graduated from Rush Medical illustrated,11 the primary tenets of osteopathy College in 1863 and from Pulte Homeopathic in 1899 were: Institute in 1874. In 1894 he graduated from 1) The "motto" of osteopathy was to "Take Kirksville School of Osteopathy, having Off The Pressure.11 been instructed personally by Andrew Still, 2) The PRESSURE was exerted on blood M.D., the founder of Osteopathy. He later vessels and other structures transporting taught in the Kirksville School, and in 1901, body fluids. he claimed to be the "originator of the mani 3) DISEASE was "the result of partial or pulation requisite for the successful appli complete stasis (stoppage) of the fluids cation of Osteopathy" and "to have written generally anywhere in the body" and par- continued on page 8 January 1988/IPSCA Jourrnal of Chiropractic/? continued from page 7 ticularly by capillary congestion. CapillBries nerve footlet were e 1 risioned to unite at are the very small bore vessels connecting every capillary endin ~ ; . When fluids accu arteries and veins at their termination, mulated in the cap Jlary area (capillary at which the exchange of elements to and congestion), the mo\or and sympathetic from other body fluids occurs. nerve endings were : : !parated-pulled apart 4) HEALTH was defined as the freedom by the fluid pressure. 't'he positive and nega of the circulation of the body fluids from tive forces were dis mited and imbalanced pressure or obstruction, enabling the organic by the nerve separation. As a result of this elements to be transported to all parts of electrical imbalance, the acid/alkaline chem the body. ical balance was disturbed which produced 5) According to "Osteopathy illustrated," disease locally and carried · by the blood the PRESSURE on blood vessels was caused and other fluids to cause disease elsewhere. primarily by CONTRACTED MUSCLES Another PRESSURE concept of osteopathy and the primary cause of contracted muscles was constipation-pressure by matter against was cold (temperature). Arteries were ob bowel linings. Osteopathic treatment included structed before nerves were impinged by bowel massage, internally and externally, muscular contraction. and also bowel flushing by colonic irrigation. Abnormal muscle contraction causing As can be seen, nerve pressure was caused pressure would affect the fluid circulation secondarily, by various other pressures, considerably BEFORE affecting the nerves. not by any complete or partial bone dis Blood flow was primary and osteopathic placement, as A.T. Still originally postulated. theory stated: "Pressure sufficient to produce The bones, especially the ve1·tebrae, theore sluggishness in the flow of the blood and tically were drawn into a slight misalignment other fluids influences change in the nerve by the abnormal muscular contraction. The cells and disturbs the functions of said nerves." osseous misalignment became an effect This was the basis for the osteopathic rather than a catise. devotion to the "supremacy of the artery" The DAVRAY brochure therefore touted . or the "supremacy of the circulation," in· the use of electrical therapy, galvanic and accordance with all medical theories. faradic. This would dovetail with · Davis' Pressure by abnormal muscular contraction positive and negative polarity theory of which impeded fluid circulation was also nerve endings, and serve as an aid to restore supposed to be caused by "bandages, tight these forces to normal. The plea was made lacing, overcrowded vessels, impediment as follows: "Jn the use of either or all of due to lack of flUidity of the blood, paralysis the various electrical appliances in treatment, of nerves controlling circulation in any or we desire the afflicted to understand that all parts of the body. The paralysis of nerves we do not in this change our special system was also thought to be caused by excessive or method (Neuropathy) of removing the cold. "Tight lacing" referred to restrictive cause of disease." "But electricity may be female girdles or corsets worn at that time, and frequently is just the thing that is needed possibly the present discard of these and to arouse latent powers and CHANGE THE other female supportive undergarments POLARITY of the cells." is osteopathically predicated and meant Regardless of its many claims, the DA VRA Y to free the circulation. institute failed prior to April of 1902. Another "PRESSURE" was postulated A.P. Davis returned to Davenport sometime to be caused on nerve endings due to capillary after July 1, 1902 and took free post-graduate congestion. Dr. Davis did not subscribe to courses under B.J. Palmer. D.D. Palmer the theory that cells migrated across capillary had left for Pasadena, California due to membranes, but that only chemical elements constant harassment and threatened prose migrated. Such passage of elements was cution by factions of organized medicine controlled by two nerve forces, the negative in Davenport and surrounding communities. and positive. The negative force was thought D.D. remained president of the Davenport to be present in the sympathetic nerves school, even though absent, and B.J. was which secreted or controlled alkaline secretary and "Adjustor- in- Chief," teaching chemicals. The positive force was presumed chiropractic practice and principles to to be a property of the motor nerv.=>" which students and post--graduates. Davis learned secreted or controlled acid body che iicals. the art of cervical adjustment from B.J. A sympathetic (negative-alkaline) nerve Palmer. footlet (ending) and a motor (positive-acid) A.P. Davis, the allopathic and homeopathic
8/IPSCA Journal of Chiropractic/January 1988 cont inued on page 9 continued from page 8 M.D., osteopath, chiropractic, electro all human ills," by A.P. Davis, M.D., OPH.D., therapist, still was not satisfied. In late ORIGINATOR OF NEUROPATHY and further 1902 and/or 1903, he enrolled in the states the human is the "product of food, McCormick Neurological Institute and became air, and water, as regards our physical organi a diplomate of "OPHTHALMOLOGY." The zation." "If muscle and a good supply of Ophthalmologist as taught by this school nerve power is desired, the nitrates and was not just an Oculist (one who treats eyes phosphates are to be used." "Extraordinary and fits glasses to see through) nor Optician nerve-strain determines the amount of nerve (one who deals in optical goods), but one waste (power) and nature demands that who knows the anatomy and defects of the it be replenished." "Bread should be two eyes and their RELATION TO THE CAUSE days old before being eaten." Some form OF DISEASE. of dietetics was being postulated. The relationship to the cause of disease The new science was a physical and mech was a loss of nerve force through improper anical treatment, which embraced all the functions of the eye. Eye nerve STRAIN, nervous system. It took off the spinal nerve which caused a loss of nerve force, caused pressure and stopped all eye and nerve strain. many body diseases according to this theory. Glasses were fitted to remove the nerve "Nerve strain of the eyes causes all functional strain and pressure that caused disease. diseases" was the motto of this healing art. The effect of Davis activities on chiro Eye cataract treatment was a treatment practice were peripheral up to this point, given on the eighth dorsal vertebrae, and but in June 1905, the Davis book "Neurology11 the eyeball was thumped with the thumbnail was published. A prospectus declared the to "shake up" the tissues of the eye. book to be the "latest book of the centuries As far as diagnosis of body ills, the ophtha on physical and mechanical treatment," lmologist was referred to a book that taught and declared Neurology to be Neuropathy, the observation of accurate physical signs Neuro-ophthalmology, and Chiropractic. manifested on the iris, written by Henry Neuropathy was the science of Osteopathy, E. Lane, M.D., 765 N. Clarke St., Chicago, but utilizing D.D. Palmer's chiropractic illinois, and published by the Kosmos Pub adjustment. Neuro-ophthalmology was lishing Company. This was later known as McCormick's Ophthalmology utilizing Palmer's "iridology." Chiropractic adjustment and the only refer Along with fitting of eye lenses, various ences to chiropractic were derogatory to homeopathic medical remedies and manipu both the science and D.D. Palmer, but the lations were prescribed for many conditions tremendous results achieved from the chiro associated with the eyes or resulting from practic adjustment were repeatedly extoled. eye strain. On the title page of the book "Neurology" or Neuro-ophthalmology," neurology was NEURQ-OPHTHALMOLOGY · said to embrace Ophthalmology, Osteopathy, The good Dr. Davis now combined Neuropathy Chiropractic Science, Suggestive Therapeutics, with McCormick's Ophthalmology and created Magnetism, Instructions on Diet, Deep another healing art-Neuro-ophthalmology, Breathing, Bathing, Etc. I. W. Long, M.D., which combined D.D. Palmer's chiropractic D.O., of London, Ohio, a leading supplier adjustment with the principles and tenets of osteopathic, medical and New Thought of Ophthalmology. He practiced this method books promoted "Neurology" as the "only in Rock Island, Illinois, across the Mississippi book on the market explaining how to apply River from Davenport, Iowa, and also at the chiropractic method,11 and "if you want Peoria, Illinois, and other places in the 1903 to know what Chiropractic is and how to era. A.P. Davis usually never stayed in one apply it, send to Neurology by Dr. A.P. Davis; place very long. In late 1903, Davis settled a complete revelation." in Dallas, Texas, where he conducted a school This was the first bok published purporting and claimed to teach neuropathy, osteopathy, to explain and apply chiropractic, and to neuroophthalmology, and chiropractic. The define what it was. The Langworthy book, school, in large part, was a "mail order" dip "Modernized Chiropractic," and the Palmer loma granting institution. book "Science of Chiropractic," were not A brochure on neuro-ophthalmology claimed to appear until a year later, in 1906. it to be a "new system of treatment for "Neurology" by Davis roundly asserted continued on page 1 0
.Tnmmr>u 7f.JRRITP8CA .TouT'rl.tZl of Chirovraetie/9 continued from page 9 f that bones, particularly vertebrae, do not follows: go "out of place" as exemplified by the Having the patient position esta I following excerpts: blished and certainly fixed, the Neuro Then to attempt to m2ke believe path should be eleva. ted at the side that bor.es are dislocated and require of the patient high enough so that savor>s of the SUPREMEST IGNORANCE to he can throw his weight dowruiXlrd on an ingelligent anatomist. (CHIROPRACTOR~ his hands, which he places on the back Janual'1J 1906, page 8) of the pat ient--on or at the spinous The very structur>e of the spine processes; one hand resting flat on shows a compactness which precludes the palm on the back of the pat ient, the very· idea of "luxation. " It is and the other> back of it, and now he a known fact that white cartilaginous stiffens the a~ of the hand which t issue is non-elastic, and that sort ilrunediately comes in contact with the prevails in the makeup of the coverings body of the patient, and with the aid of the spine. of the other> hand and arm SUDDENLY The cartilages which hold the verte presses his weight upon the body of brae together possess a large quantity the patient where the influence -z,s of the denominated (named) white fibrous; to be exerted on the sp-z,ne, and if non-elastic constituents and is strong the movemen-1; has been done properly, enough to draw the attachment befor>e a sudden clicking will have been nnde, giving away or stretching pel'Ceptibly. audible~ most generally, to both the We are inclined to attribute the patient and operator. (Neuropathy, belief of spinal luxation, of page 22) subluxation, to a MORBID MENTAL This was the chiropractic spinal adjustment CONCEPTION (of D.D. Palmer) than to taught to A.P. Davis by D.D. Palmer in anything else. HENCE LUXATIONS OF THE 1898 at Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Davis purloined SPINE ARE NOT CAUSES OF DISEASE. (NEURO the chiropractic spinal adjustment, and PATHY, Davis, page 107J reJabeled it neuropathic adjustment, treat Davis denied the theories of chiropractic ment, or manipulation. and osteopathy, even as a student: These are the reasons that D.D. and his We sat still as a humble student son B.J. Palmer reacted to violentJy so A.P. and suffered such teaching to flow Davis, M.D., and Neuropathy. uninterruptedly from the "famous dis Hello! A.P. adjusted vertebra and made coverers" (Still and Palmer) of these them click, but did not believe that vertebrae marvelous sciences (osteopathy and displaced. What was his theory? Listen to chir>opractic). To openly deny their this: notions while a student would have The "adjustment," as Dr. Palmer incited the iroe of their equi libriwn calls it~ of the spine unites the nega that some other habitation would be tive and positive forces (at the nerve more tranquil. endings J . and a · neutralization of the The first book explaining chiropractic acid and alkaline elements ensues. denied the basic principles of chiropractic The STIMULATION resulting fr>om the that bones, particularly of the spine, subluxate treatment increases the metabolism, or displace. D.D. Palmer was depicted as and the accumulation of metabolic l.iXZstes ignorant and unlearned and accused of being at the capi l Zary spaces is disper>sed, in a morbid mental state. The founder of and BLQOD is ALLOWED to flow, and the chiropractic had been discredited by an nerve endings are freed fr>om proessur>e M.D.-A.P. Davis. of the fluids, and f;he nerve endings Political organized medicine was overjoyed, are united and chemical harmony is and publicized the Davis opinion of non restored. subluxation of bones and D.D. Palmer for . years. A.P. Davis had adhered to his early continued in next journal allopathic education. Neurology claimed that the most astonishing Copyrighted. Merwyn V. Zar>buck, D.C. , results took place from the spinal adjustment December>, 1987. Repr>oductions in any through this method called Neuropathy. pal'Cel or form only by express written The spinal adjustment was described as permission of the author>.
10/IPSCA Journal of Chiropractic/January 1988