The Paradox of Osteopathy

Howell, Joel D.

doi:10.1056/nejm199911043411910

Cited by 69Medical History and InnovationsHistory of Science and MedicineHistory of Medical Practice

The Paradox of Osteopathy

Howell, Joel D.·1999·New England Journal of Medicine

DOI 10.1056/nejm199911043411910

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Abstract

In the spring of 1864, Andrew Taylor Still, a rural Kansas practitioner, watched helplessly as the best medications then available failed to save his three children from spinal meningitis. Bitterly disappointed, Still set out to devise an alternative healing practice. He eventually based his new system on the idea that manipulation of the spine could improve blood flow and thus improve health by allowing the body to heal itself. His philosophy included a healthy dose of moralism; patients were forbidden to consume any liquor and, as part of the break from existing practices, were also forbidden to take any medicine. . . .

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Authors: Howell, J. D.
Corresponding author: Howell, Joel D.
ORCID: Howell, Joel D.
Venue: New England Journal of Medicine
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Published: 1999-11-04
Volume: 341
Issue: 19
Pages: 1465-1468
ISSN: 0028-4793 (ISSN-L)
1533-4406
DOI: 10.1056/nejm199911043411910
OpenAlex: W2316932957
Cited by: 69
References: 10
Citations by year: 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 4
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: New England Journal of Medicine (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › Medical History and Innovations
Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History and Philosophy of Science › History of Science and Medicine
Health Sciences › Medicine › Neurology › History of Medical Practice
Keywords: osteopathy, Andrew Taylor Still, history of osteopathy, spinal manipulation, complementary and alternative medicine, spinal meningitis, blood flow, self-healing
MeSH terms: Humans, Manipulation, Orthopedic, Osteopathic Medicine, United States, Low Back Pain, Manipulation, Spinal, History, 20th Century

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The Paradox of Osteopathy

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