Chiropractic comes from the Greek language literally meaning hands (cheir) and done (praktos) or done by hand. The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) says Hippocrates, considered to be the founder of modern medicine, was very interested in learning all manners of the spine for, “... this is the requisite for many diseases.”
Early Roots
Herodotus, another man in the time of Hippocrates, believed in correcting discomfort and disease through correcting spinal abnormalities with the use of therapeutic exercise. The WCA states Herodotus would also place his hands on the spine to attempt to correct abnormalities, but was rejected by his colleagues for making old men young and prolonging their lives too greatly. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) says ancient Chinese writings dating back as early as 2,700 B.C. mention the maneuvering of lower extremities to relieve back pain.
U.S. History
Ideas of chiropractic therapy in the U.S. did not gain formal momentum until D.D. Palmer began correcting disease with the use of manipulation of the spine, using the spinal and transverse processes on the vertebrae as levers. Many chiropractic students learn the story of D.D. Palmer adjusting Harvey Lillard, a man who became deaf after stooping over and feeling a pop in his back many years previously. A short course of spinal manipulations by D.D. helped to restore his hearing. With this first encounter, the ACA reports, D.D. Palmer went on to treat others before finally founding a chiropractic school in Davenport, Iowa, in 1897.
Legalization Battle
As popularity of D.D.'s story grew, so did skepticism from the public and medical community alike. D.D. would respond to the mockery and challenges to his theories with attacks against the idea of taking medication and vaccinations. The WCA reports D.D. Palmer was arrested in 1905 and sentenced to serve 105 days in jail and a $350 fine for practicing medicine without a license. Undeterred, D.D. went on to write two books about chiropractic health power and continued to promote chiropractic use. Kansas was the first state to legally recognize chiropractic as a practice of medicine with the 1913 Chiropractic Act. Licensing was finally allowed in Kansas in 1915, according to Chiropractic History magazine.
Continued Growth
Throughout the rest of the 20th century, the ACA reports that all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia have recognized chiropractic medicine. Many other countries, including Canada, Belgium, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Great Britain and Italy, recognize chiropractors and have their own regulating boards.
Chiropractic Today
Currently, the ACA reports more than 60,000 active chiropractic licenses in the U.S. and its territories. Sixteen schools in the U.S. offer chiropractic degrees. Today, most chiropractic students must obtain an undergraduate degree ranging from two to four years before entering the three- to five-year graduate program. The standard course curriculum, according to the ACA, encompasses a minimum of 4,200 classroom, laboratory and clinical experience hours before graduation. Additionally, a four-part board exam, as well as a state exam, must be passed before the graduate may begin practicing.
