Chiropractic in North Carolina

Chiropractic emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. Daniel David Palmer performed the first documented chiropractic adjustment in 1895, and the profession quickly grew from a single philosophy to a global field of care. Early chiropractors emphasized the relationship between spinal alignment and nervous system function, coining the term “subluxation” to describe misalignments believed to interfere with health. Throughout the 20th century, chiropractic evolved despite opposition from mainstream medicine, eventually gaining licensure in every U.S. state and worldwide recognition. Modern chiropractic blends traditional spinal adjustments with evidence-based approaches, including exercise, posture correction, and pain management. It is now one of the most widely used forms of complementary health care, supported by millions of patient visits annually.