Is anybody else out there getting sick of hearing the above term? Somehow the straight movement has been lulled into accepting this term into our vocabulary. I have nothing against expanding our vocabulary, in fact, most of us could do well to increase our vocabulary. There is also nothing wrong with increasing our chiropractic vocabulary. However, two things must be kept in mind. First, it should not be done to describe an already existing concept or term in chiropractic. Redundancy in terminology only leads to confusion and heaven knows this profession already has enough confusion. Second, it should not be done to describe a medical entity. Chiropractic does not address itself to medical entities. It is not that we do not recognize their existence or perhaps their need to be addressed. It is just that they are not in the purview of the chiropractor.
Vertebral subluxation is that to which chiropractors address themselves (of course speaking in idealistic terms). Vertebral subluxation is all that chiropractors address themselves to.
Therefore I must conclude that vertebral subluxation complex is identical to vertebral subluxation. If so, why the need for the term? We have been very comfortable with “vertebral subluxation” for many years.
If Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) is describing something else, then, very simply, it is not chiropractic. From what I have read I have gotten the impression that VSC is attempting to describe the patho-physiological changes in the spine and surrounding structures that are thought to result from the presence of a vertebral subluxation over a brief or extended period of time. Whether these changes do occur or whether they are partially or totally the result of an osseous insult to the nervous system at the vertebral level is irrelevant. That is not the practice of chiropractic. It is the practice of medicine. I am sure that the individuals who are promulgating VSC upon the profession are sincere in their efforts. But then those who are attempting to sneak us in the back door of medicine or drag us in the front door are also sincere. Sincerity is not a virtue. More damage has been done to our profession by sincere people than by unscrupulous ones.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex sounds impressive. Addressing ourselves to it may make us feel more important. It sounds scientific and being able to explain the various stages, components, and effects that are included in it may make us more acceptable to the medical community. But if it does, it is because we are beginning to talk in terms and about conditions that they can relate to and that, friends, is the greatest danger.
When we deal with terms and conditions that the medical community can understand and relate to, we are becoming them.v3n4
