Chiropractic History

The origin of manipulation is lost in antiquity, but records indicate that it has existed throughout the world since the beginning of recorded times.

Early Manipulation

Osseous and soft-tissue manipulation are mentioned in early recorded history. One of the earliest indications of soft-tissue manipulation is demonstrated by the ancient Chinese Kong Fou Document written about 2700 B.C. which was brought to the Western World by missionaries. Also, Greek papyrus dating back to at least 1500 B.C. gave instructions on the maneuvering of the lower extremities in the treatment of low back conditions. Soft-tissue manipulation was also practiced by the ancient Japanese, Indians of Asia, as well as the Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, Hindus, and Tibetans. Manipulative therapy has been practiced by the natives of Tahiti for centuries.

Hippocrates and Claudis Galen

Hippocrates, the celebrated Greek physician , recognized the importance of spinal manipulation. A prolific writer, he wrote at least 70 books on healing, including Manipulation and Importance to Good Health and On Setting Joints By Leverage. Emphasizing the importance of the spine, he said "Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases."

Claudis Galen, the famous Greek physician living from 130 to 200 A.D., was given the title, " Prince of Physicians" after he corrected a paralysis of the right hand of Eudemus, a prominent Roman scholar. He did so by treating the patient's neck, apparently adjusting the neck vertebrae. Galen, like Hippocrates, also recognized the importance of the nervous system when he said, " Look to the nervous system as the key to maximum health.

The Discovery of Chiropractic

During the colonial days of our nation, the majority of medical doctors were without any formal medical education and practiced their healing art along with other occupations. Apprenticeship of self-training was the usual and almost exclusive path to becoming a doctor, even in the 1880's. A medical school was not a part of Columbia University until 1860. And, it was not until the 1880's and later that states considered passing laws licensing the practitioners of medicine.

In the latter part of the 19th century, the healing arts were in an unorganized state. At least five different major philosophies of healing were practiced: allopathic medicine was just one concept. American doctors, particularly those without formal education, were inclined toward natural healing treatments. Some used diets, herbs and plants, exercise electricity, purges, blood-letting, bonesetting, religious healing, magnetic healing, etc.

Daniel David Palmer

After several occupations-- including those of grocer and teacher-- Daniel David Palmer became interested in healing the sick. He became a student of Paul Caster, an internationally know practitioner of magnetic healing, which was vogue at the time.

After several years of successful practice, Palmer's interest in ways to heal the sick led him to be critical of the confusion existing in the healing arts of his day. A classic event occurred in 1895 when Palmer had the opportunity to examine a janitor who had become deaf 17 years previously after he felt something "give" in his back. Palmer examined the area and gave a crude "adjustment" to what was felt to be a misplaced vertebrae in the upper spine. The janitor then observed that his hearing improved.

The word " Chiropractic " is derived from the Greek words "cheir" and "praktikos meaning "done by hand". From these simple beginnings, Chiropractic became more sophisticated as a formal educational program evolved, requirements by the schools were developed, and state and governing laws were established.

The first state law licensing chiropractors was passed in 1913, and by 1931, 39 states had given chiropractors legal recognition. Today chiropractic is recognized in all 50 states and the district of Columbia.