Objective: The objective of this article is to present a rationale for the need of a history of chiropractic vertebral subluxation (CVS) theory based on primary sources.
Discussion: There is a dichotomy in the chiropractic profession around subluxation terminology, which has many facets. The literature around this topic spans social, economic, cultural, and scientific questions. By developing a rationale for a historical perspective of CVS theory, including the tracking of the historical development of ideas throughout the profession, a foundation for future discourse may emerge.
Conclusions: By using primary sources, ideas in chiropractic on the development of CVS theory are proposed. This introduction presents a basis for the need of a history of CVS theory and suggests how this work may be used to further philosophical dialogs in chiropractic.
Keywords: Chiropractic; History.