Chiropractic as spine care: a model for the profession.

Area of Science:

• Chiropractic profession and healthcare integration.

Background:

• The chiropractic profession has struggled for over a century to establish a scientifically coherent and credible definition.
• This lack of definition has hindered its cultural authority within healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a model for the chiropractic profession to establish cultural authority.
• To increase the market share of chiropractic care among the public.

Main Methods:

• The paper identifies impediments to a credible chiropractic definition, including ethical departures, obsolete philosophies, and primary care provider promotion.
• It proposes a professional identity centered on spinal care, integration into mainstream healthcare, ethical standards, portal-of-entry provision, evidence-based practices, and a conservative approach.

Main Results:

• The proposed spine care model aims to enhance chiropractic cultural authority and relevance.
• The model facilitates integration into the mainstream healthcare system while preserving professional identity.

Conclusions:

• Failure to redefine the profession poses a threat to its future viability.
• The spine care model offers a pathway for chiropractic to achieve greater recognition and integration.