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A History of Chiropractic

By Paul Rothbart

Chiropractic care is now a pretty common option for treating a variety of issues, primarily related to the spine and joints. Chiropractors are trained and licensed and their work is recognized as a viable, alternative medical treatment. Although manipulations of the spine have been done for centuries, the actual codification of chiropractic is relatively new. You may wonder how it started, who was the first chiropractor, how it grew in stature. Here is a brief history of chiropractic care that you may find interesting. 

How It Started

Daniel David Palmer is considered the father of chiropractic. In fact, it was he who named this form of treatment. It comes from the Greek words, chier (hand) and praktos (done). Chiropractic means "done by hand," an apt description. Curious about science and history, Palmer studied writings of various forms of manipulations that had been practiced through the ages. The first chiropractic adjustment was performed by Palmer in 1895. The patient was a janitor who had lost his hearing 17 years prior after feeling something give in his back. Palmer examined him and found a displaced vertebra in the janitor's upper back. After the treatment, the man said his hearing improved. Palmer continued to develop his techniques and in 1897, opened the first school of chiropractic, the Palmer School of Cure. The institution still exists today in Davenport, Iowa as the Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Growth of Chiropractic

Palmer's school grew. His son, Bartlett Joshua "BJ" Palmer, along with a number of doctors and osteopaths were among the first students. In 1913, the first state law for licensing chiropractors was passed; by 1931, 39 states were licensing chiropractors. Over the decades, chiropractor grew, adding practitioners and patients. Today, there are more than 70,000 licensed chiropractors in the U.S. alone, encompassing all 50 states, including Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Chiropractic is also recognized as a healthcare profession and recognized by many nations throughout the world.

The Joint Chiropractic

Originally founded in 1999, The Joint Chiropractic is a nationwide chain dedicated to making chiropractic care accessible and affordable. It has grown to more than 500 locations and has performed more than 4 million adjustments. The Joint Chiropractic has a no-appointment policy and is open nights and weekends to accommodate any schedule. Affordable pricing, with package plans available, eliminates the need for insurance. Any patient can receive treatment at any location, which is convenient when traveling.

Chiropractic has had a long and fruitful journey from DD Palmer's first adjustment to the tens of thousands of practitioners at work today. If you experience any kind of back, neck, or joint pain, drop by The Joint Chiropractic. There's sure to be one nearby and chiropractic care may have a major positive impact on your health.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see  your local chiropractor in Houston, Tex.

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