How Did Chiropractic Start? A Look at the History of Chiropractic Care

If you’ve ever wondered how chiropractic started or who invented chiropractic care, the story begins in 1895 in the United States. Today, chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession practiced worldwide — including here in Wanaka, New Zealand — helping people manage back pain, neck pain, and musculoskeletal conditions naturally.

Who Founded Chiropractic? How did Chiropractic Start?

Chiropractic was founded by Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer in 1895 in Davenport, Iowa.

Palmer performed what is considered the first chiropractic adjustment on a man named Harvey Lillard, who reportedly experienced hearing loss after a back injury. Palmer believed a spinal misalignment was interfering with nerve function. After adjusting the spine manually, he claimed Lillard’s hearing improved.

This event marked the beginning of chiropractic as a profession.

In 1897, Palmer established the Palmer School of Chiropractic, which formalized chiropractic education. His son, B.J. Palmer, later expanded the profession, introduced X-ray use in chiropractic practice, and helped spread chiropractic internationally.

D.D. Palmer performing a chiropractic adjustment, showcasing an early technique in spinal care.

The Early Principles of Chiropractic

Early chiropractic philosophy centered around three main ideas:

• The body has an innate ability to heal itself

• The nervous system controls overall health

• Spinal alignment affects nerve function

D.D. Palmer called spinal misalignments “vertebral subluxations.” While modern chiropractic care has evolved significantly since the late 1800s, spinal assessment and manual therapy remain central to practice.

How Chiropractic Has Evolved Over Time

Modern chiropractic care is evidence-informed and focuses primarily on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine.

Today, chiropractors commonly help patients with:

• Lower back pain

• Neck pain

• Headaches and migraines

• Postural strain

• Sports injuries

• Workplace-related pain

In New Zealand, chiropractors are regulated healthcare professionals under the Chiropractic Board of New Zealand, ensuring high standards of education and patient safety.

Chiropractic Care in Wanaka, New Zealand

Here in Wanaka, many residents lead active lifestyles — skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and water sports are part of daily life. Chiropractic care plays an important role in helping locals:

• Recover from sports injuries

• Improve spinal mobility

• Reduce chronic back and neck pain

• Maintain movement and performance

Understanding the history of chiropractic helps patients appreciate how this hands-on profession developed into the modern healthcare service available today in Wanaka and throughout New Zealand.

Final Thoughts

Chiropractic began in 1895 with D.D. Palmer’s first spinal adjustment. What started as a small practice in Iowa has grown into a globally recognized profession focused on spinal health and musculoskeletal care.

If you're in Wanaka and curious about how chiropractic care may support your health, speaking with a qualified chiropractor can help you determine whether it’s right for you.

References

• Palmer, D.D. (1910). The Chiropractor’s Adjuster: The Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic.

• Keating, J.C., Cleveland, C.S., & Menke, M. (2005). Chiropractic History: A Primer. Association for the History of Chiropractic.

• Wardwell, W.I. (1992). Chiropractic: History and Evolution of a New Profession. Mosby-Year Book.

• American Chiropractic Association. “History of Chiropractic.”

• Chiropractic Board of New Zealand.