Philosophy of Science: What does it mean? What is meant by health care being a Science, a Philosophy

Anthony Ciccarelli
Sep 21, 2015
3 min read

When discussing the role of philosophy in chiropractic, it is important to understand that differences exits within the profession about what truly defines such mentalities and beliefs. The philosophy of chiropractic, originally developed by chiropractic's founder, D.D Palmer, represents a vitalistic approach that recognizes an ‘innate intelligence’, which uses the brain and nervous system to control and maintain the bodies health (1). In addition, interference to this system may lead to a change in health, such as the onset of disease or loss of function (1). A chiropractor can intervene by adjusting subluxations, thereby releasing the flow and resorting health (2). Many educational chiropractic institutes still strongly advocate and abide by these philosophical principles, however a transition towards more evidence based scientific practices has become incorporated in many curriculums, some more than other. Although these foundational beliefs and dogmas still drive much of what many chiropractors practice clinically, some criticism arises mainly due to the lack of scientific proof. It is because of this that a large population of chiropractors now incorporate or have transitioned to a more evidence based scientific practice (2).

Chiropractic views the body holistically. It is a natural approach that does not use drugs or surgery (1). It is not based on "curing" symptoms but rather on maintaining wellness (2). When the bones of the body are properly aligned and are not fixated, there are clear signals of communication between the body and the brain, resulting in balance that leads to health (2). The science of chiropractic is one of diagnostic evaluation and of clinical trials and research (2). The art of chiropractic is the hands-on sensitivity that the doctor of chiropractic learns through time and experience. Through motion and static touch the chiropractor becomes skilled at the art of an adjustment, which involves a specific force, speed, and torque (2). All together, this is what I personally believe encompasses and defines the chiropractic profession. In healthcare today, clinicians strive to treat patients in the best way possible based around their needs. Therefore I believe that relying solely on the philosophical principles described by the originals founders of chiropractic may not be sufficient to produce the best outcomes for the patient.

It is very important to scientifically prove and demonstrate why certain techniques and modalities used in the chiropractic profession are being implemented. Without this reassurance through research, the chiropractic profession as a whole would certainly not be as successful as it is today, especially through the eyes of other health care professionals. With this however, I also do feel that the philosophical roots of which chiropractic began should not be abandoned. Although research though the scientific method has advanced a great portion of what we understand in healthcare today, it has not, and perhaps will never be able to explain why or how certain practices and principles work. Certain techniques and modalities used in healthcare today still do not have concrete reasoning for why indeed they do work, however the positive outcomes observed after use or implementation is clear. Therefore as a future chiropractor and clinician, I believe it is important to incorporate both past philosophical and present scientific ideologies involved within the chiropractic profession. By doing so it allows the patient to receive the best treatment possible in all aspects.