Chiropractic began with a pivotal event that took place on September 18, 1895, in Davenport, Iowa. Daniel David Palmer, often credited as the founder of chiropractic, performed what is widely recognized as the first chiropractic adjustment. The patient was Harvey Lillard, a janitor who had lost his hearing 17 years prior. Palmer theorized that Lillard had a misalignment in his spine, which was interfering with his nervous system, leading to his hearing loss. He proceeded with an adjustment, applying manual pressure to Lillard’s spine to correct the misalignment. Remarkably, Lillard reported an improvement in his hearing shortly after the adjustment, which Palmer saw as confirmation of his theories.
The early years of chiropractic were marked by skepticism and opposition from the medical community. Despite this, chiropractic continued to gain followers and practitioners, leading to the establishment of the first chiropractic school. In 1897, D.D. Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. This institution was pivotal in formalizing chiropractic education and spreading the practice. The school, now known as Palmer College of Chiropractic, remains one of the leading institutions in the field.
The growth of chiropractic was further supported by the establishment of professional organizations. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), and the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), both established in 1926, played key roles in advocating for chiropractic as a legitimate and distinct healthcare profession.
The latter half of the 20th century saw significant changes for chiropractic. Research into the efficacy of chiropractic care increased, and the profession began to see greater acceptance within the broader healthcare community. Chiropractic care started to be integrated into various healthcare systems, with chiropractors working alongside other healthcare providers.
Today, chiropractic is recognized as a legitimate healthcare profession with a focus on musculoskeletal health, particularly spinal disorders. Chiropractors are licensed professionals who undergo extensive training, and many are involved in research and education. This continued acceptance of chiropractic as a useful form of medicine has led to countless people finding relief and healing.