Straight Chiropractic:

A non-therapeutic primary portal of entry health care profession whose objective is to contribute to health through the correction of vertebral subluxation. It is based in an evolving philosophy and science and is practiced as an art.
Commentary: Objectives and procedures, inconsistent with the above definition, have been embraced by a faction of the profession. This faction has historically been known as "mixing" chiropractic while that which adheres to the traditional objective of chiropractic has been designated as "straight" chiropractic. Although the "mixing" faction has deviated strikingly from the chiropractic objective, it has not disclosed, designated or identified this fact to the public. For this reason, the adjective "straight" (as defined by Webster: "...undeviated, unmixed...") has been employed to distinguish those who adhere to the above definition from those who do not. ("mixers")

Vertebral Subluxation:

A condition in which a vertebra has lost its proper juxtaposition with an adjacent vertebra (to an extent less than a luxation) in such a way as to alter nerve function.

Structure and Function:

Biological function is a manifestation of living structure. Any disturbance in structure causes a corresponding disturbance in function. Vertebral subluxation is a disturbance in structural relationship of the vertebrae and the nerves they protect. This disturbance in structure reduces the body's ability to maintain its own health.

Morbidity:

Straight Chiropractic does not offer to treat any disease or morbid process. Its objective is to contribute to health through the correction of vertebral subluxation.

Straight Chiropractic Analysis:

Those procedures which disclose the presence, location and character of a vertebral subluxation along with the determination of the safety and propriety of straight chiropractic care and the election of an appropriate straight chiropractic corrective procedure. Included in straight chiropractic analysis is the recognition of unusual findings which present themselves in the course of analysis. Although there have been attempts to use the terms "diagnosis" and "chiropractic diagnosis" to describe chiropractic analysis, these are indistinct and misleading uses of medical terminology which may create false patient expectations. Diagnosis is universally understood to be a medical procedure concerning disease or morbid processes. Because straight chiropractic is non-therapeutic, the term "diagnosis" is not germane to the practice of straight chiropractic.
Commentary: The educational programs in straight chiropractic colleges include course work in medical diagnosis to comply with certain jurisdictional regulations which require the straight chiropractic educational program to include medical diagnosis. Furthermore, though the vast majority of state laws prohibit the chiropractor from engaging in the treatment of disease (which is the logical culmination of medical diagnosis), most licensing boards require examinations in medical procedures.

Chiropractic Adjustment:

An adjustment is the application of specific scientific procedures for the sole purpose of safely correcting vertebral subluxation.

First Aid:

Those procedures designated by the handbook of the American Red Cross as basic first aid. The chiropractor accepts the responsibility for determining the need for and administration of basic first aid.

Treatment:

Those things done to or for a patient for the alleviation of symptoms and /or disease. Since the straight chiropractic objective does not include the treatment of symptoms and/or disease, the term treatment is not appropriate in straight chiropractic.

Manipulation:

Manipulation is defined as the forceful, passive movement of a joint beyond its active range of motion. Manipulation does not imply specificity or the correction of the vertebral subluxation, and therefore is not synonymous with the chiropractic adjustment.

Primary, Portal of Entry Providers:

Those health care providers with whom the law and professional ethics allow a patient to consult without referral from another provider.

Limited and Unlimited Providers: