The intention of a chiropractic<unk>  is to affect or correct the alignment, motion and/or function of a vertebral joint. Specifically, they are intended to correct "vertebral subluxations", a non-scientific term given to the signs and symptoms that are said by chiropractors to result from abnormal alignment of vertebrae. This intention forms the legal and philosophical foundation of the profession, and US Medicare law formulates it in this manner: : "Coverage of chiropractic services is specifically limited to manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation... Medicare will not pay for treatment unless it is 'manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation'." Chiropractic authors and researchers Meeker and Haldeman write that the core clinical method that all chiropractors agree upon is<unk>  manipulation, although chiropractors much prefer to use the term<unk> ", a term which reflects "their belief in the therapeutic and health-enhancing effect of correcting<unk>  joint abnormalities." The International Chiropractor's Association (ICA) states that the "chiropractic<unk>  is unique and singular to the chiropractic profession", and that it "is characterized by a specific thrust applied to the vertebra utilizing parts of the vertebra and contiguous structures as levers to directionally correct articular malposition.<unk>  shall be differentiated from<unk>  manipulation in that the<unk>  can only be applied to a vertebral malposition with the express intent to improve or correct the subluxation, whereas any joint, subluxated or not, may be manipulated to mobilize the joint or to put the joint through its range of motion. Chiropractic is a specialized field in the healing arts, and by prior rights, the<unk>  is distinct and singular to the chiropractic profession." One author claims that this concept is now repudiated by mainstream chiropractic. The definition of this procedure describes the use of a load (force) to specific body tissues with therapeutic intent. This "load" is traditionally supplied by hand, and can vary in its velocity, amplitude, duration, frequency, and body location (p. 218) and is usually abbreviated HVLA (high velocity low amplitude) thrust.
Spinal adjustment
Luteal support
Jaw reduction
Epidural administration
Scalp reconstruction
Spinal fusion
Postural restoration
Minimally invasive spine surgery