A Brief History of Chiropractic

The first recorded chiropractic adjustment was performed on September 18, 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer a Canadian-born teacher and healer. Dr. Palmer was, at the time, studying the cause and effect of disease. His patient was Harvey Lillard, a janitor who worked in the same building as Dr. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Lillard who had complained of hearing problems for over 17 years, allowed Dr. Palmer to examine his spine. Dr. Palmer discovered a lump on Mr. Lillard’s back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of place, which he then repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust. After several such treatments, much of Mr. Lillard’s hearing was restored. Since Dr. Palmer’s first chiropractic adjustment, the art and science of chiropractic has progressed significantly. Today, advanced diagnostic procedures, sophisticated equipment, scientific research, and the growing acceptance among other health care professionals make chiropractic a popular health care choice.

Chiropractic Philosophy

The chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes fundamental concepts:
1) the structure and condition of the body influences how the box functions and its ability to heal itself;
2) the mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health in the healing processes.

Although chiropractic shares a lot with other health professions the emphasis and application of philosophy distinguishes it from most medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates toward a holistic approach to healing, which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on obedience of natural laws, and that deviation from such laws can result in illness..