Chiropractic’s famous first adjustment is recognized each year commemorating September 18th, 1895 as Chiropractic Founder’s Day. On this day, 118 years ago, Dr. Daniel David Palmer administered the first specific chiropractic adjustment on his patient, Harvey Lillard in Davenport, Iowa. Dr. D.D. Palmer delivered this historic first chiropractic adjustment with the specific intent of realigning a malpositioned vertebra on the patient, restoring its normal position, and Harvey Lillard, who had lost most of his hearing 17 years earlier, noted his hearing swiftly returned under Dr. Palmer’s care. Dr. Palmer proceeded to explore and evolve his clinical practice to his new method of replacing spinal bones that were out of position, and experienced positive clinical results in patients with a wide variety of health concerns. His practice grew and the profession of chiropractic was launched.
Chiropractic is predicated on the recognition that the human body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism. And, most constructively, chiropractic understands how the body, rather than requiring intervening interruptions or intrusions into the healing process, instead needs no interference with its innate capacities for self-coordination, organized communication, and repair. The pioneering efforts begun by Dr. Palmer, that in his time were deemed an affront to the orthodox medical industry of the era, is now a concept so accepted and credible that widely-recognized authorities like Drs. Andrew Weil and Deepak Chopra base the core premise of their best-selling books and tapes on this healing model.
Chiropractic continues to grow in popularity and acceptance, and is now coming into its own as the largest drugless healthcare profession. It was because of the authenticity and soundness of these principles that chiropractic has not only survived initial harsh criticism and onslaught by its detractors, but has flourished, and now is increasingly understood and embraced by a wide audience of people in search of health.
“It is vitally important that both professionals and the public become better aware of the founding principles of this profession,” explains Dr. Daniel J. Murphy, internationally respected chiropractic educator and former ICA Vice President. “The very nature of the language used to describe chiropractic science includes core concepts that are in turn explored in research, articulated in education and expressed in practice by thousands of doctors of chiropractic worldwide.”
Once considered experimental, unorthodox or “alternative” health care, Chiropractic has now become a vital part of the main stream of health care. “Doctors of chiropractic worldwide have every reason to be proud of our profession and the unique contributions chiropractic science continues to make to the lives of millions,” said ICA President Dr. Michael S. McLean. Chiropractic receives tremendous support from the public, and every day in countries around the world, millions of individuals of all ages, from newborn infants to the most senior of our citizens, seek the care of a doctor of chiropractic. Throughout its history, the chiropractic profession has provided clinically efficacious, cost-effective and safe care to millions of patients worldwide, and has earned the highest patient satisfaction levels of any doctor-level health care science.
Dr. Scott Fuller, DC’s note: I have been a practicing chiropractor for 24 years, and I am proud to serve people with chiropractic and a wellness lifestyle. Many patients have offered heartfelt gratitude and thanks for helping them get well again, which excites and motivates me and my wonderful staff to show up at the office each day. I am thrilled to witness so many babies, children, and adults become and stay well with chiropractic. Thank you for such wonderful experiences!
Thanks to the International Chiropractors Association for this News Release.
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