At the heart of every healthcare discipline lies a unique story of growth, challenge, and transformation. Chiropractic care is no exception. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its current role as a respected part of modern medicine, chiropractic has undergone a remarkable evolution. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of chiropractic, from its revolutionary origins to its maturation and ongoing advancements.
We’ll delve into how chiropractic care, rooted in the belief in the body’s inherent wisdom, has navigated through eras of skepticism and resistance to become an integral part of the healthcare landscape. Discover how pioneering figures like DD Palmer and BJ Palmer laid the groundwork, how the profession faced and overcame significant challenges, and how today’s chiropractors are shaping the future of wellness and holistic health.
Join us on this journey as we trace the milestones that have defined chiropractic care and look forward to the exciting developments that lie ahead.
What is Chiropractic
Definition
Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline focused on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques, such as spinal adjustments and manipulations, to enhance joint function, alleviate pain, and support the body's natural ability to heal itself. The practice emphasizes a holistic approach, often incorporating lifestyle and wellness advice to promote overall health and prevent future issues.
Our Approach
Chiropractic is all about keeping your nervous system and spine in top shape. At our office, we focus on how the spine and nervous system work together to affect your overall health. By using gentle adjustments and techniques, we help your body function better, reduce pain, and support natural healing. It’s all about making sure your nervous system is firing on all cylinders so you can feel your best and live your best life
History of Chiropractic: Early Years
From 1895 to 1925, the early years of chiropractic were marked by bold and revolutionary figures, particularly DD Palmer and his son BJ Palmer. This period was characterized by provocative theories and concepts, as medical practices were still emerging and often included outdated methods like bloodletting and leeches. DD Palmer, originally a magnetic healer with a strong interest in anatomy, began exploring how spinal misalignments (or "subluxations") might impact the nervous system and overall health. In 1897, he combined his healing techniques with spinal adjustments to create chiropractic (meaning done by hand), a term coined by an early patient, Samuel Weed. By 1902, DD Palmer's relationship with BJ had soured, leading him to leave Davenport, Iowa, and later sell his chiropractic school to BJ in 1906. BJ then expanded and developed chiropractic into a recognized profession, while DD continued to establish additional schools across the U.S.
History of Chiropractic: Maturing
From 1925 to 1950, chiropractic began to mature, with increased public awareness but ongoing challenges in acceptance. During this time, chiropractic schools flourished, with over 100 established by former Palmer graduates who had a broader vision of chiropractic. Key figures like Budden, Cale, Cleveland, and others advocated for stronger chiropractic education. This period also saw significant political activism as the profession pushed for better educational standards and licensure. Many states had not yet granted official licensing for chiropractors, leading to vigorous efforts by chiropractic organizations to secure legal recognition and federal acknowledgment.
History of Chiropractic: Challenges
In the 1960s and 1970s, growing public acceptance of chiropractic led to increased opposition, particularly from the AMA. The AMA engaged in covert efforts to undermine chiropractic through a campaign of disparagement, portraying it as a cult and its practitioners as frauds. Their main goals were to block chiropractic from gaining academic recognition, prevent its inclusion in Medicare, and prevent the profession from uniting. Although the AMA failed to stop chiropractic from being accredited and included in Medicare, the profession remains notably divided even into 2019.
The most significant event in chiropractic's legal history was the antitrust lawsuit filed in 1976, known as Wilk v. AMA. This landmark case, which spanned 17 years, was initiated by four chiropractors—Chester Wilk, Michael Pedigo, Patricia Arthur, and James Bryden—who challenged the AMA’s efforts to undermine their profession. In a decisive victory, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Getzendanner ruled in favor of the chiropractors. Her 101-page opinion found that the AMA and other defendants had engaged in a long-term, systematic campaign to harm the chiropractic profession, describing their actions as acts of "lawlessness" aimed at destroying it. Judge Getzendanner’s insightful commentary highlighted the depth and severity of the AMA’s misconduct.
‘’I conclude that an injunction is necessary in this case,” Getzendanner wrote. ‘’There are lingering effects of the conspiracy; the AMA has never acknowledged the lawlessness of its past conduct and in fact to this day maintains that it has always been in compliance with the antitrust laws; there has never been an affirmative statement by the AMA that it is ethical to associate with chiropractors.”
From 1976 to 1987, the Wilk v. AMA antitrust case brought scrutiny to the medical profession, revealing and disrupting many of the AMA’s covert anti-chiropractic activities. This period saw a reduction in the media's negative bias against chiropractic, which had previously been fueled by the AMA’s campaign in major publications. However, despite the 1987 court victory and the Supreme Court's denial of an appeal in 1990, chiropractic still faced ongoing medical bias, institutional prejudice, and resistance to professional inclusion. Challenges such as limited government funding for research and training persisted.
History of Chiropractic: 1980 to Present
From the 1980s to the present, chiropractic has undergone significant professional growth and development. Chiropractic colleges evolved into contemporary educational institutions, student enrollments surged, and regional and specialized accreditations enhanced the public's recognition and appreciation of chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is entering a new era of development and change. Unlike a century ago, when chiropractors faced imprisonment for practicing without a license, today they work alongside other healthcare professionals in major hospitals. This evolution underscores a broader acceptance of chiropractic care. The profession has always been rooted in the belief that the body has inherent wisdom, a concept that remains relevant as healthcare evolves. For instance, the overuse of antibiotics and opioids has led to resistance and crises, highlighting the need for more conservative and self-care approaches. As research and technology advance, the future of healthcare will increasingly focus on maintaining wellness and prevention, rather than solely treating diagnosed diseases. This shift represents a significant move towards a more holistic approach to health.
Sportelli, Louis. “The Discovery, Development and Current Status of the Chiropractic Profession.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238904/.