History...

The First Adjustment:

Chiropractic had a sudden and dramatic impact as it was born on September 18, 1895. Dr. Daniel David (D.D) Palmer had studied several alternative therapies of the day and was currently in practice as a magnetic healer. The story of the first adjustment begins when Harvey Lillard, the janitor of the Ryan Block, the office building where DD. Palmer’s office was located came to him for help. Mr. Lillard had suffered an injury 17 years earlier in a mine which left him without hearing in his left ear. When treatment failed to produce the desired results Dr. Palmer noticed an area of the spine where the vertebra was not in the correct position. Over the next week D.D. utilized the manipulations of all of his known systems but failed to move the vertebra to its desired location. D.D. Palmer then delivered a short, rapid impulse to the vertebra. The vertebra moved as D.D. desired and incredibly Mr. Lillard’s hearing returned in his left ear and remained intact for the rest of his life.

Social Climate

During the time of the first adjustment there was a trend in America towards natural and alternative healing. The 1800s began with the “Age of the Common Man” and the Jacksonian era focused its efforts on technologic advancements for economic gain. This led to a lack of scientific advancement. Physicians were practicing heroic medicine at the time. While practicing to the best of the knowledge, their treatments including blood letting, laxatives, emetics, and medications (some of which contained elements which we now know to be toxic) sometimes caused significant complications. This left the public searching for other options and opened the doors to alternative therapies.

Development of Chiropractic

While D.D. Palmer is regarded as the father of chiropractic, his son B.J. Palmer was responsible for the promotion and development of chiropractic. There are many noteworthy contributors to early chiropractic development, education, and research and there are also a few longstanding themes. The profession has struggled with its identity, struggled to gain acceptance, and struggled to fund research and education.

Chiropractic Today

(information from the American Chiropractic Association)
Chiropractic is the largest, most regulated, and best recognized of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) professions. (Meeker, Haldeman; 2002; Annals of Internal Medicine)

There are more than 60,000 active chiropractic licenses in the United States. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands officially recognize chiropractic as a health care profession.

Chiropractic is the third largest doctoral-level health care profession after medicine and dentistry.

Research shows safety and efficacy in treating neck pain and low back pain. Studies are ongoing to evaluate chiropractic treatment of headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, and otitis media. Research continues to provide us a better understanding of chiropractic and evidence of its effectiveness.

THE ADJUSTMENT:

The chiropractic adjustment involves manipulation of a joint with a controlled, focused force which is of high velocity and low amplitude (fast & short). The adjustment is performed in the direction of restricted motion in an effort to reduce pain and restore normal function. Adjustments are modified to meet the needs of each patient.

WHAT IS THE CRACK?

Many people know that chiropractors make you “crack” and many patients ask, “What is the popping sound I hear?”

The adjustment of a joint may result in audible release. This “pop” or “crack” that is sometimes heard is caused by the release of nitrogen gas from the joint fluid. This is the result of a rapid change of pressure within the joint fluid. There is no pain involved.

DO I NEED TO GO TO THE CHIROPRACTOR FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?

No. Chiropractic care is most often a series of visits; however it is not necessary to come regularly for the rest of your life. While every situation is different, most of our patient’s are seen 2-3 times the first week. As the patient begins to improve this schedule is reduced and the amount of home care (self care) is increased. Our patients are released from care when they reach their healthcare goals and we simply ask that they “Call us when they need us.”

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