Is Chiropractic Care Pseudoscience?
Chiropractic care has been helping people heal naturally for over a century, yet it still faces skepticism from those who consider it a form of pseudoscience. This perception has deep historical roots, but the growing body of scientific research supporting chiropractic adjustments challenges that outdated narrative.
Where Did the "Pseudoscience" Label Come From?
The idea that chiropractic care is pseudoscience stems largely from its early history. Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer, who believed that spinal misalignments (or "subluxations") interfered with the body's innate ability to heal. While early chiropractic care focused heavily on these concepts, some of which lacked empirical evidence at the time, the field has since undergone significant evolution.
In the early 20th century, chiropractic care faced strong opposition from the American Medical Association (AMA), which launched campaigns to label chiropractic as "unscientific." In fact, in a landmark 1987 antitrust case (Wilk v. AMA), a federal judge found that the AMA had engaged in an illegal conspiracy to "contain and eliminate" the chiropractic profession. The result was a decades-long uphill battle for legitimacy in the eyes of the public and medical community alike.
How Chiropractic Has Evolved
Today, chiropractic care is far from the fringe practice it was once considered to be. It is licensed and regulated in all 50 U.S. states and in many countries around the world. Modern chiropractors are highly trained healthcare providers who complete extensive education, including a four-year doctoral program, national board exams, and clinical internships. Ability doctors go a step further and go through residency when they first start with us.
Most chiropractors now practice evidence-informed care, integrating the best available research with clinical expertise and patient values.
What the Research Says About Chiropractic
Far from pseudoscience, chiropractic care and particularly spinal manipulation, is supported by a growing body of high-quality scientific research. This is a very very small and condensed version of the science that is out there.
1. Low Back Pain Relief
The effectiveness of chiropractic care for low back pain is one of the most well-researched areas in musculoskeletal medicine.
A 2017 clinical practice guideline published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded that spinal manipulation is an effective option for treating acute low back pain.
Source: Qaseem A, et al. (2017). "Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline." JAMA Intern Med.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality also reviewed 26 randomized controlled trials and found that spinal manipulation produced improvements in pain and function for chronic low back pain.
Source: Chou R, et al. (2016). "Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain." AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Review.
2. Neck Pain and Headaches
Chiropractic adjustments have also shown promise for neck pain and headaches:
A Cochrane Review found that spinal manipulation was more effective than medication for both short- and long-term relief of neck pain.
Source: Gross A, et al. (2015). "Manipulation and mobilization for neck pain: a Cochrane Review."
The American Migraine Foundation recognizes spinal manipulation as a non-pharmacologic treatment option for tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.
3. Cost-Effective and Low Risk
Chiropractic care is also recognized for its safety and cost-effectiveness:
A 2010 study in Spine found that chiropractic patients had lower overall treatment costs and fewer advanced imaging procedures than those who began care with a medical doctor.
Source: Keeney BJ, et al. (2010). "Early Predictors of Lumbar Spine Surgery after Occupational Back Injury." Spine.
Serious adverse effects are extremely rare. In fact, spinal manipulation is generally safer than long-term use of NSAIDs or opioids for chronic pain.
Addressing the Skeptics
It’s important to recognize that, like any healthcare profession, chiropractic has practitioners who vary in approach. Evidence-based chiropractors work in collaboration with medical doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers, offering safe, effective care rooted in current research. This is what Ability stands for. We are not anti-medicine. We are pro allowing your body to try and do the job first. With proper support, spinal health, and a fully functioning nervous system.
Many hospitals, military facilities, and integrative care centers now include chiropractic services as part of their treatment offerings. The Veterans Affairs (VA) health system, for example, has incorporated chiropractic care across many of its facilities, reflecting the growing trust in its efficacy.
Labeling chiropractic as pseudoscience is not only inaccurate, it’s outdated. As the research shows, chiropractic care plays a vital role in conservative, non-invasive healthcare, especially for musculoskeletal conditions. Like any evolving field, we continue to refine our practices based on evidence, and countless patients experience real, measurable benefits from chiropractic every day.
If you're still skeptical, we encourage you to explore the research yourself and then give us a call! Or even better, schedule an appointment and experience the difference chiropractic care can make in your life.