Gloom or boom for chiropractic in its second century? A comparison of the demise of alternative healing professions.

As Americans suffered through the heroic medicine of the 1800s, many medical alternatives, known as sects, evolved in the United States. Examination of the developments and problems encountered of medical sects, namely Thomsonism, homeopathy, osteopathy, naturopathy and chiropractic, reveals many similarities among them. While some sects have either dissolved or been absorbed by other professions, chiropractic has survived as a separate and distinct healing art. As chiropractic approaches its centennial celebration, it continues to demonstrate specific sectarian characteristics that may hinder progression into the future. This paper examines parallels among the developments of chiropractic and other alternatives. A review of some historic and contemporary scholars' predictions for the future of chiropractic is presented as well as potential solutions.