History of Chiropractic

On September 18^th, 1895 in Davenport, Iowa, Dr. Daniel David Palmer learned that Harvey Lillard, his janitor, had become deaf 17 years earlier after something “gave” in his back or neck when he was bending over.  Palmer examined the area and notice a bump which he determined to be a vertebra slightly out of its normal position.  With Mr. Lillard’s permission, Palmer adjusted the vertebra back into place and his hearing returned.  (History is uncertain as to whether it was restored with one visit or several.)  

        His curiosity piqued, Dr. Palmer examined other patient’s spines.  He researched and developed what we now call Chiropractic.  In many ways, this was a re-discovery of the art of spinal care found in nearly every culture and practiced since ancient times.

        Within two years, Dr. Palmer opened the first school of Chiropractic on the corner of Second and Brady Street in downtown Davenport, Iowa.  It was his son, Dr. B. J. Palmer, who continued the school after the death of his father, D. D. Palmer.  It is the son, B. J.,  who is given credit today for growing and developing the profession of chiropractic into what it has become today.