CHIROPRACTIC HISTORY

The History Of Chiropractic

Unveiling the Roots: Exploring Chiropractic History and Its Timeless Principles

The principles upon which the life philosophy of chiropractic is built have been understood by humanity for thousands of years. Vitalism is the concept that life itself is intelligent. This idea speaks to the inborn ability of all living creatures to heal and keep themselves whole and well from within. Holism speaks to the nature of the human being functioning and interacting with his or her world as one whole unit, and not as a collection of organs and parts.

Naturalism concerns the way of life we are designed to lead as human beings, and how a genetically-congruent lifestyle both restores and maintains optimal health. These concepts have been around for millennia. The ancient Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates applied these very concepts with those that sought his care and advice. Not surprisingly, Hippocrates is famously quoted as having said “Look well to the spine for the cause of disease.” Chiropractic expounded upon these principles, and established a new approach to healthcare and the expression of human potential that has now been in application for over 120 years.

D.D. Palmer

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic was born on September 18th, 1895. On this fateful day in Davenport, Iowa, Dr. D.D. Palmer was to be found practicing as usual, on the fourth floor of the Ryan Building, at the corner of 2nd and Brady streets. For nine years prior to his discovery of chiropractic, Dr. Palmer practiced as a magnetic healer, a hands-on therapy which was also practiced by many medical practitioners of the era.

At slower points during the day, he would often interact and converse with Mr. Harvey Lillard, the owner/operator of the janitorial company that maintained the building where Palmer kept his office. Harvey had told Dr. Palmer that he had suffered from back pain and that he had lost most of his hearing. Dr. Palmer asked Harvey how he had lost his hearing. Harvey replied that seventeen years prior, while bent over in a stooped position, he heard something “pop” in his spine and immediately suffered a loss of most of his hearing.

The Restoration of Hearing: Dr. Palmer's Pioneering Work in Chiropractic Care

A keen student of human anatomy and physiology, Dr. Palmer examined Harvey, and found a tender lump in his neck. He recognized the lump as a badly misaligned vertebra, and reasoned that since it had occurred when the man went deaf, restoring the vertebra to its proper position might also restore Harvey’s hearing. He presented his theory to Harvey and requested that he be allowed to try and realign the vertebra. Having known Dr. Palmer for years, and having seen the great number of people who sought his help, Harvey agreed to Dr. Palmer’s request.

Dr. Palmer adjusted Harvey’s spine several times over the following weeks. On one of these occasions, Harvey exclaimed that he could once again hear the clip-clopping of the horses hooves just outside the window. His hearing had been restored! As history records, at first Dr. Palmer thought that he had discovered the cure for deafness. He soon realized that this was not the case. He adjusted many deaf people, some restoring a degree of hearing, but most remaining deaf. However, many of the people he adjusted would report headaches going away, vision improving, breathing problems disappearing, and many other physical and mental maladies resolving. Research over time would lead Dr. Palmer to realize that he had discovered the vertebral subluxation. He had discovered the scientific, physiological fact that nerve interference caused by spinal subluxation interferes with the body’s ability to function properly and heal itself. This can cause or contribute to any symptom or health condition. By adjusting the spine and removing this interference, we give the best chance for the body to restore and maintain the greatest expression of health.

HOW CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES HAVE ADVANCED

Since Dr. D.D. Palmer’s first chiropractic adjustment, the philosophy, science, and art of chiropractic has grown and progressed significantly. Today, advanced chiropractic adjustment techniques, sophisticated nervous system assessment technologies, scientific chiropractic research publications, and the growing awareness and understanding among both the public and other healthcare professionals make chiropractic the largest and most successful drugless healing art in the world. Dr. Nic West and his team are well trained and experienced in using the most advanced assessment technology and adjustment techniques to optimize your overall health.

a chiropractor is holding an x-ray of a neck

THE ADVANTAGES OF PRINCIPLED CHIROPRACTIC CARE

The ultimate goal of principled chiropractic is the expression of full health and life potential. Each one of us has built within a tremendous ability to achieve, to perform, to create, to live, love, and laugh over many decades of wonderful life. This can only be possible, however, if we are physically, mentally, and emotionally whole and well. Since the nervous system coordinates every aspect of our physical, mental, and emotional function, principled chiropractic care must be recognized as the most pivotal aspect of health and quality of life.

There are many practical advantages to receiving consistent, principled chiropractic care at Pine Valley Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, IN over a lifetime. Any age group can benefit, from infants to seniors. Chiropractic care is gentle and specific, and there are many different techniques and ways of correcting nerve interference, allowing every individual the best opportunity to reach their optimal level of health.

Some of the most common benefits we hear our practice members experience are as follows:

Pain relief
Increased spinal range of motion
Increased clarity of thought
Improved mood
Stronger immune function
Better digestion and increased regularity
Improved hormonal balance
Decreased reliance on medication
Increased overall feeling of peace and joy
Improved libido
Better quality sleep
Increased lung capacity and better ability to breathe
More energy
Improved hearing and vision
Better balance and orientation
Improved performance in sports and extracurricular activities
Decreased occurrence of and faster recovery from injury
Improved productivity and performance at work and during recreational activities

LEARN MORE ABOUT CARE AT PINE VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC TODAY

Chiropractic care has helped many thousands of people over the past 120+ years through the approach of trusting in and focusing on the body’s ability to heal itself from the inside-out. Our team at Pine Valley Chiropractic is passionate about our mission to save and transform lives in Fort Wayne and surrounding communities. We begin the process with a consultation and review your health history to understand personal health goals, and ensure you get the best quality care. Give us a call today or schedule a consultation through our website to learn more about how our team can help you and your family.