AFC Joins List of Chiropractic Organizations in a Joint Response Regarding Chiropractic & Immunity
On behalf of the undersigned national and international organizations, professional associations, trade and professional organizations representing thousands of chiropractors globally, we collectively reject the recent statements of several organizations including the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), Parker University, and the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) denying scientific evidence of the connection between chiropractic and immunity. The perceived eminence of these institutions should not be exclusively relied upon without careful consideration of all available evidence. To release an opinion piece without labeling it as such, particularly at a time of fear and panic, is irresponsible. Contrary to its own conclusion, the research articles included in the WFC rapid review, though the sample size is small, actually demonstrate positive findings regarding spinal integrity and immunity. The persistent and specific exclusion of published, reputable scientific studies that validate the correlation between the spine, the nervous system, chiropractic care and immune function, downgrades the important role chiropractic care plays in healthcare. The opinion piece is methodologically flawed, as they have failed to define inclusion criteria, made unfounded assertions, and therefore, drawn flawed conclusions. This leads to a misguided model of evidence informed practice, and is not conducive to a model of patient centered care.
Credible evidence for a link between chiropractic adjustments and immune system function exists. We recognize the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation’s collection of supporting evidence, the International Chiropractic Association’s document, the International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations’ statement, and Axiom Seminars supporting evidence, amongst others. The chiropractic profession does not claim to diagnose, treat, or cure Coronavirus or conditions caused by COVID-19.
As portal-of-entry healthcare providers, doctors of chiropractic offer an irreplaceable component of healthcare which optimizes the body’s inborn ability to heal and adapt. Chiropractic care is concerned with the totality of human experience. Timely and consistent access to chiropractic care is important to public health, as it allows people to successfully adapt, heal and improve performance. This is of particular significance now with increased physical and mental stress. Chiropractors are essential in reducing undue stress on the already overburdened healthcare system. For these reasons, chiropractors have been deemed essential critical infrastructure workers by the US Department of Homeland Security. The role of chiropractic is a staple in supporting the health and well-being of the public in a salutogenic model.
Autonomic dysregulation produced by vertebral subluxation compromises the adaptive capacity of the human body. We implore the WFC to acknowledge and respect the unique role of chiropractic and its impact on nervous system function, stress and immunity. Opinion statements such as that released on March 20, 2020 by the WFC, risk damaging the sanctity of the profession and its obligations to the general public. In the spirit of collaboration and professional betterment, we thereby recommend the WFC and ACA to recognize these consequences and consider revising or retracting their position, after a thorough review of the linked evidence. Until all professional bodies representing the profession can agree to uphold these crucial values and principles, funding and support for such institutions shall be reconsidered.
The Undersigned:
