What is the principle of "non-maleficence" in chiropractic care?

The principle of "non-maleficence" is foundational in healthcare, including chiropractic care, and emphasizes the ethical responsibility of practitioners to avoid causing harm to their patients. This principle mandates that chiropractors must carefully consider the potential risks associated with any treatment or intervention they provide and strive to minimize any possible adverse effects. The focus is on ensuring patient safety and prioritizing the well-being of the patient above all else.

Understanding non-maleficence helps practitioners maintain a high standard of care and fosters trust between practitioners and patients. By adhering to this principle, chiropractors can create a therapeutic environment that emphasizes the patient's best interest, ensuring that the treatments offered do not introduce unnecessary harm. This focus is critical in building a practice that not only seeks to alleviate discomfort or pain but does so in a way that respects patient safety and promotes overall health.