Edward F. Owens, Jr. MS, DC
Valerie S. Pennacchio, DC

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Literature and methods for reliability and validity for identification of vertebral subluxation are reviewed. To date, subluxation research has been hampered by the lack of accepted operational definitions. Procedures used at Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic (SCSC) are described and an approach for framing operational definitions is proposed. Method: Qualitative review of the literature and description of current clinical procedures used at SCSC. Summary: The two main elements for assessment of vertebral subluxation in use at SCSC include: (1) the detection of neurological involvement and (2) the location of a specific segment. Assessment of neurological involvement includes a battery of palpation, leg checks and thermographic readings to assess clinically observable muscle activity and asymmetries and skin temperature. The methods for locating misaligned segments include leg checks to provide a general location, followed by more specific analysis for X-rays and palpation. These approaches can form a basis for standardizing subluxation identification for clinical and research purposes.

Key words: chiropractic, leg length inequality, neurological examination, palpation, spine, thermography, X-rays

Click here to down load the entire article in Adobe Acrobat format