Four scholarly chiropractors have concluded that epidemiologic evidence does not support chiropractic's most fundamental theory. Since its inception, the vast majority of chiropractors have postulated that 'subluxations' (misalignments) are the cause or underlying cause of ill health and can be corrected with spinal 'adjustments'. After searching the scientific literature, the authors concluded: "No supportive evidence is found for the chiropractic subluxation being associated with any disease process or of creating suboptimal health conditions requiring intervention. Regardless of popular appeal, this leaves the subluxation construct in the realm of unsupported speculation. This lack of supportive evidence suggests the subluxation construct has no valid clinical applicability." T.A. Mirtz et al, Chiropractic & Osteopathy (2nd December 2009) [pdf]