Question
Dear Dr. Healey,

As a practicing chiropractor, I am concerned about the information you have provided in a number of your postings.

In reading your responses to individuals who inquire about specific health issues, you assert a number of statements as fact, namely:

1. That the correction of vertebral subluxations enhances the ability of the person to function at their best or express their optimum potential;
2. That vertebral subluxations can be caused by a wide variety of factors and are rarely obvious to the individuals they affect;
3. That vertebral subluxations are "life-robbing."

In the interests of intellectual and professional honesty, I would like to ask you if you can provide your readers with specific, peer-reviewed, scientific references and studies to support your assertions.

There is a significant amount of evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of various manual therapeutic techniques for the treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders, including spinal and soft tissue manipulation, as well as rehabilitative exercise. Chiropractors are not the only individuals trained to do this.

As you know, peer-reviewed evidence is a requirement to establish the validity of an evidence-based healthcare approach. To my knowledge, nothing exists in the peer-reviewed literature to support the points that you assert in your postings. I am particularly concerned about your assertion that vertebral subluxations are "life robbing."

Thank you for your response.  

Answer
Dear Gerald Anzalone, DC:

The content and tone of your submission reveals we have significant differences in our viewpoints.  Couched in a plea for "intellectual and professional honesty," which presumes me to be a liar, I take your message to be little more than impudent heckling.  

I do, however, thank you for taking the time to read my writings.  

Sincerely,
James W. Healey, DC