Chiropractic Theories [Hardcover]

Robert A., A.A. Leach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0683049046 | ISBN-13: 978-0683049046 | Edition: 3nd

This comprehensive and up-to-date reference of chiropractic theories supplies the methodology protocol and terminology used in chiropractic research. It includes topics, such as vertebral subluxation complex; facilitation; and segmental dysfunction and reviews research on chiropractic manipulation of controversial areas such as essential hypertension; bowel and bladder dysfunction; dysmenorrhea; and asthma. The book also provides understanding of chiropractic science and keys to its development. Regardless of whether one is treating conditions with chiropractic care or administering adjustments to improve overall health of the patient, it is important for students to know the strength and limitation of knowledge for treatment of patients with these diverse conditions. This edition includes new chapters on segmental dysfunction hypothesis; soft/hard outcome measures of dysfunction; facilitation hypothesis; developing chiropractic scientist/practitioners. It also has a new focus on clinical applications aimed at the practitioner. Each of the chapters has been revised and six chapters and two appendices added, as well as new information on technology. This text includes background information on chiropractic philosophy theory and history, critical for understanding what professionals must do to benefit from chiropractic science. It acts as the basis reference for entrance exams, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners - Part II test of Chiropractic principles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 401 pages
• Publisher: Williams & Wilkins; 3nd edition (January 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0683049046
• ISBN-13: 978-0683049046
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,145,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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5.0 out of 5 stars On the Money!, December 25, 2009

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Sam Clemens (Los Angeles, Calif., USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Chiropractic Theories (Hardcover)

The book, "The Chiropractic Theories," by Robert A. Leach, is an important source and reference work. Many today do not realize that chiropractic is based on solid neurological principles, research and clinical practice. The subluxation (or "subluxation complex"), despite the complaints of detractors, absolutely exists. Not always detectable on radiographs (x-ray films), it can be diagnostically noted by the various changes observed or palpated at a given spinal level. Changes such as temperature rise, decreased range of motion (R.O.M.), muscle spasm unilaterally with muscle stretch contralaterally, and by the presence of trigger points. Typically, the affected vertebra will move much more easily in one direction of rotation, than in the opposite direction. In the latter, it will feel "locked" against movement, and the patient will feel an increase in pain upon both active and passive movement in the former direction. The pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of subluxation, and on the number of spinal levels involved. Most all of us have experienced an awful "wry neck," in which two or more cervical vertebrae are subluxated in the same direction.

When a correction is applied, in the form of spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustment), this unilateral locking effect is disrupted, and we see a return to normal structural and physiological integrity of that level, and pain abates. Incidentally, the chiropractic subluxation is roughly equivalent to the osteopathic "spinal lesion," and we hear very little about how this lesion does not exist, or has been insufficiently researched and documented. Of course, today, most osteopathic doctors just practice regular medicine.

This book examines some of the problems with nomenclature and definition of the subluxation, then goes to on to comprehensively, even elegantly, lay out the various theories that have been proposed through the history of chiropractic. Much detail here, and the intelligent reader can readily see that there is more going on here than the old idea of a vertebra pressing on a nerve like a foot pressing on a garden hose. This book is a gem, and a real joy to peruse or study. In my view, it should be on the bookshelf of all alternative practitioners--and certainly on those belonging to "bodyworker" practitioners, such as massage therapists, rolfers, reichian therapists and acupunturists.

Note: The Second Edition, oddly enough, is superior to the Third (and probably succeeding editions). These editions have eliminated much of the best content of the second, are somewhat apologetic in tone, and focus more on areas for future research, than on chiropractic theories. Finding that my copy (Second Edition) had gone missing, I ordered a copy of the Third Edition..and found that I was very disappointed, when I received it. Within a week, I ordered a copy of the Second, and when it arrived, felt as though I had recovered an old friend. ; )

Note: "Foundations of Chiropractic Subluxation," by Gatterman is excellent too.