Chiropractic emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. Daniel David Palmer performed the first documented chiropractic adjustment in September 1895 on a janitor named Harvey Lillard, who reported improved hearing after Palmer manipulated a vertebra in his upper back — an anecdote that became the founding story of the profession. Palmer went on to establish the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1897, and his son, B.J. Palmer, took up the work of building it into a formal discipline with standardized training and a growing network of practitioners. 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 significant opposition from mainstream medicine, including a decades-long campaign by the American Medical Association that was ultimately found, in the 1987 Wilk v. AMA antitrust case, to have unlawfully restrained the profession's growth. Chiropractic went on to gain licensure in every U.S. state and recognition from the World Health Organization, and today it's practiced in dozens of countries around the world. Modern chiropractic blends traditional spinal adjustments with evidence-based approaches, including exercise, posture correction, and pain management, and it's increasingly integrated alongside conventional medicine in hospitals and multidisciplinary clinics. It is now one of the most widely used forms of complementary health care, supported by millions of patient visits annually. How this Can Help You Chiropractic may improve posture, reduce subluxations, and support nervous system balance. By restoring proper motion to restricted joints, adjustments can ease pressure on irritated nerves and relax the surrounding muscles, which is why many patients turn to chiropractic care for low back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, and sciatica. Because the approach addresses the underlying mechanics rather than just masking symptoms, patients often report fewer flare-ups, more energy, and better tolerance for activity over time. Care plans are typically built around each patient's goals, whether that's returning to a sport, keeping up with grandchildren, or simply moving through the day without stiffness. Integrating sports medicine or rehabilitation can further improve resilience, helping patients build the strength and stability that keep problems from coming back. Now, chiropractic is a mainstream part of modern healthcare, with many physicians referring patients directly to chiropractors as part of a coordinated care plan. It's covered by most major insurance plans, integrated into the U.S. military and VA healthcare systems, and recommended by leading clinical guidelines as a first-line, non-drug option for conditions like low back pain. What began as an alternative philosophy over a century ago is now a well-established, evidence-informed part of everyday patient care. Make an appointment today.