The History of Chiropractic Care – A Brief Look
At Rainey Chiropractic, we’re proud to be part of a healthcare tradition that spans more than a century. Chiropractic care has helped millions of people around the world find relief from pain and improve their overall well-being—but where did it all begin?
Here’s a brief look at the history of chiropractic care and how it’s evolved into the modern, patient-centered approach we offer today.
The Birth of Chiropractic: 1895
Chiropractic care was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer believed that many health issues stemmed from spinal misalignments, which he referred to as “subluxations.” He theorized that these misalignments interfered with the nervous system and could affect the function of the entire body.
Palmer performed what is considered the first chiropractic adjustment on a man named Harvey Lillard, who had reportedly lost his hearing years earlier. After the adjustment, Lillard experienced a noticeable improvement in his hearing—and a new form of natural health care was born.
The Growth of a New Profession
Following that first adjustment, Palmer continued to develop the philosophy and techniques behind chiropractic care. In 1897, he opened the Palmer School of Chiropractic, the first institution dedicated to training chiropractic practitioners.
As the field gained traction, Palmer’s son, Bartlett Joshua (B.J.) Palmer, helped expand and professionalize the practice, refining techniques and advocating for the scientific study of chiropractic.
Chiropractic Gains Recognition
Throughout the early 20th century, chiropractic faced skepticism and legal hurdles, often being misunderstood or mischaracterized. However, as more patients reported successful outcomes, the field began to earn wider acceptance.
In 1974, chiropractic was officially recognized in all 50 U.S. states. Since then, it has grown into a licensed, regulated healthcare profession with an emphasis on evidence-based care, continuing education, and patient safety.
The Modern Chiropractic Approach
Today’s chiropractors are highly trained in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and diagnostic imaging. They work not only to relieve pain but also to improve function, mobility, and overall health. At Rainey Chiropractic, we integrate hands-on adjustments with modern therapeutic techniques to provide holistic, non-invasive care for patients of all ages.
Chiropractic has evolved to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Sports and accident-related injuries
- Postural issues
- Joint and muscle dysfunction
Many chiropractors, including our team, also emphasize lifestyle education, posture correction, and movement-based strategies to support long-term wellness.
A Trusted Part of Holistic Healthcare
Chiropractic care has come a long way since that first adjustment in 1895. What began as a simple idea—restoring the body’s natural function through spinal alignment—has grown into a respected, science-based healthcare field. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain or simply want to move better and feel healthier, chiropractic offers a natural path to healing and vitality.
At Rainey Chiropractic, we’re proud to carry on this legacy and help our patients live their lives in alignment. Schedule your visit with us today and join millions of people who have benefitted from chiropractic care!
