Chiropractic and Infectious Diseases – A Historical Perspective.

Chiropractic and Infectious Diseases

By Dr. Christopher Kent

As a collector of chiropractic memorabilia, I am amazed by the breadth of vision demonstrated by those who have preceded us. Even more impressive are some of the spectacular results reported by early chiropractors in patients with infectious diseases.

One example where chiropractic has been a beacon of light was in the 1917-1918 flu epidemic, which led to death and fear for many Americans. It is estimated that 20 million people died worldwide, including about 500,000 Americans.

Walter Rodas provides fascinating information about the profession during those years. A pioneering chiropractor wrote, “I was about to leave the business when the flu epidemic hit, but when it was all over, I was firmly established in practice.” The results were spectacular.

Rhodes reported that in Davenport, Iowa, doctors treated 93,590 patients with 6,116 deaths – the loss of one patient out of every 15. Chiropractors from the Palmer Chiropractic School adjusted 1,635 cases, with only one death. Outside of Davenport, Iowa chiropractors treated 4,735 cases with just six deaths – one out of every 866.

During the same epidemic, in Oklahoma, 3,490 patients recovered from the flu with chiropractic care, with only seven deaths. Additionally, chiropractors were called in on 233 cases deemed lost after receiving medical treatment, and apparently, “everyone except 25 was saved.”
The anonymous authors of the 1925 book “Chiropractic Statistics” conducted a broader study. This text is a compilation of a questionnaire on the responses of chiropractors practicing chiropractic. The report covers 99,976 cases reported by 412 chiropractors across 110 specific conditions. Here is a sample:

Gonorrhea: 408 cases were reported from 136 chiropractors involved. 341 cases showed a complete or “very defined” recovery. 66 cases showed little or no improvement. There was one death. The reported recovery percentage was 83.6%.

Flu: Reports were made on 4,193 cases by 213 chiropractors. 4,104 showed a complete recovery. 79 patients showed little or no improvement, and 10 deaths were recorded. The recovery percentage was 99.4%.
Measles: 121 chiropractors reported 673 cases. 665 cases showed a complete or “very defined” recovery. Seven showed little or no improvement. One death was reported. The recorded recovery percentage was 98.8%.

Scarlet Fever: There were 149 cases from 60 chiropractors. 147 cases of total recovery were recorded. Two showed little or no improvement. There were no deaths. The recovery percentage was 98.7%.

Smallpox: 45 chiropractors attended to 101 cases. 100 showed complete recovery. One was referred to another professional. There were no fatalities.
Chiropractic texts also addressed strategies for adjustments and the management of patients with infectious diseases. “Chiropractic Practice – Volume 1 – Infectious Diseases” analyzes adjustment techniques and the management of cases of conditions, including, for example, measles, mumps, chickenpox, typhoid fever, meningitis, malaria, whooping cough, polio, and tuberculosis.

Of course, it was another time. The research methodology of today simply did not exist. On the other hand, chiropractic is not a treatment for a specific disease.
I believe that these statements from the past are fascinating when taken in the context of contemporary biology. Recent research has revealed much about how the nervous system is involved in the immune process.

A comprehensive review of the literature summarizes our current understanding. “The brain and the immune system are the two main adaptive systems in the body. During an immune response, the brain and the immune system “talk to each other,” and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis… Two pathways link the brain and the immune system: the autonomic nervous system (ANS) through direct neural influences, and neuroendocrine humoral secretion via the pituitary gland… the ANS regulates the functioning of all tissues and organs innervated throughout the body except for the fibers of skeletal muscle.”
In a world where we face antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viral diseases lacking effective treatments, the role of chiropractic care in enabling optimal immune system function deserves closer exploration.

REFERENCES
1. Rhodes WR: “The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas.” Texas Chiropractic Association. Austin, TX. 1978.
2. “Chiropractic Statistics.” Chiropractic Research and Studies Service. Burton Shields Press. Indianapolis, IN. 1925.
3. Wells BF, Janse J: “Chiropractic Practice. Volume 1. Infectious Diseases.” National College of Chiropractic. Chicago, IL. 1942.
4. Kent C: “Neuroimmunology — an update.” The Chiropractic Journal. August, 2001. http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2001/aug/aug2001kent.htm
5. Kent C: “Neuroimmunology and Chiropractic.” The Chiropractic Journal. October, 1995. http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/1995/oct/oct1995kent.htm
6. Kent C: “Aspects of the biochemical and immunological mental impulse.” The Chiropractic Journal. February, 1999. http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/1999/feb/feb1999kent.htm
7. Elenkov IJ, Wilder RL, Chrousos GP, Vizi ES: “The sympathetic nerve – a superior integrative layer between the two great systems: the brain and the immune system.” Pharmacol Rev 2000;52:295-638. http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/cgi/reprint/52/4/595.pdf