The History of Chiropractic
Celebrating the birth of Chiropractic
This month we’re celebrating the birthday of chiropractic, which takes place on September 18th! In honor of this special day, we wanted to share with you a little bit about the history of chiropractic and how it all began.
How Chiropractic Began
Dr. Daniel David Palmer delivered his first chiropractic adjustment on September 18, 1895, in Davenport, Iowa. The client was a janitor in Dr. Palmer’s building named Harvey Lillard. According to the history books, Mr. Lillard had lost his hearing due to a workplace accident and had been deaf for nearly 17 years. That is until Dr. Palmer came along.
After learning about Mr. Lillard’s accident, Dr. Palmer miraculously ‘cured’ him. He realized that his loss of hearing was due to a nerve not functioning correctly due to his spine being out of alignment. After getting an adjustment, Mr. Lillard’s hearing had finally returned after all those years.
This marketed the beginning of chiropractic care as we know it today.
Chiropractic School
Two years after giving his first chiropractic adjustment, Dr. DD Palmer opened the first chiropractic school in 1987. The school was also located in Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Palmer referred to his therapy as ‘Chiropractic’, which literally means ‘done by hand’.1 His holistic approach wasn’t necessarily a miracle cure for dis-ease. Instead, it was a fantastic approach for removing obstacles and blockages that may interfere with the spine and nervous system. This allowed the spine to function properly.
Chiropractic Today
At the age of 20, Dr. BJ Palmer, son of Dr. Daniel David Palmer, took over the school his father had created. He continued to build upon the foundation that was already set and helped to make it what it is today. DD Palmer is known as the Founder of chiropractic, where BJ Palmer is known as the “Developer” of chiropractic.2
Throughout the years, both DD Palmer, PJ Palmer, and others refined chiropractic manual adjusting techniques. They also refined the study of how manual manipulation can relieve pain and improve function. While spinal manipulation continues to be a centerpiece of chiropractic care, modern chiropractors have developed a variety of practice styles. These include featuring different therapies and modalities, to address clients’ needs. They practice a holistic approach to health care that generally excludes drugs or surgery.3
Chiropractic and Beyond
Thanks to Dr. DD Palmer, chiropractors like us can offer chiropractic adjustments,. In addition, to wellness advice and holistic practices to clients in our area. We build upon the foundations of nutrition, detoxification, exercise, and mindset. This, along with adjustments aid in whole-body healing. Celebrating the birth of chiropractic is also about celebrating the people chiropractic has helped throughout the years. To that, we say, Happy Birthday Chiropractic! It is an honor to serve our clients through your approach.
Sources:
- https://www.spinecarechiropractic.com.au/spinecare-chiropractic-birthday/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._J._Palmer
- https://mynbce.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Practice-Analysis-of-Chiropractic-2020-5.pdf
Dr. Lindsey fully believes that as her role in a doctor is to be a health coach, giving her clients the tools and knowledge to make the best educated decisions for their health and the health of their families. The body was not made to break down, it was created to thrive and adapt to its environment.
Being a native of Colorado, Dr. Lindsey loves to hike, bike, camp, dance, and travel often, but her main mission is to change the way her community views and manages their health, both physically and mentally, across all generations. Her vision is to see less pharmacies, and more farmer’s markets; less medication and more meditation; less sick days and more family days; less pain and more love.