Chiropractic began in 1895 in Davenport Iowa when Daniel David Palmer restored the hearing of Harvey Lillard by thrusting upon his spine. Lillard had been deaf for 17 years after an accident. Subsequently Palmer was able to help people with all manner of ailments and conditions. He called his healing art "Chiropractic" from 'Cheiro' (meaning of the hand) and 'Praktos' (meaning act or Skill) hence chiropractic means 'skill of the hand'. Palmer began to teach his art to others and soon opened the Palmer school of Chiropractic. His son B.J Palmer was one of the first graduates.

D.D. Palmer, 1845-1913

D.D. Palmers son B.J. continued to develop chiropractic, adding much to the Philosophy, Art and Science. He was the first person to use X-rays to detect spinal abnormalities and subluxations. He collected spines from all over the world and had his own radio station. During this time the Medical authorities began their campaign to systematically eradicate chiropractic and many Chiropractors went to jail for practicing medicine without a license. Despite this onslaught chiropractic survived and flourished to become the third largest healthcare profession in the world. Palmers theories and views have been challenged over time but many of them are now being adopted into the emerging new healthcare paradigm.

B.J. Palmer 1880-1961

As chiropractic continued to expand the diversity of Philosophies, approaches, methods and techniques grew. Some chiropractors sought validation from the medical profession and have chosen to adopt a medical model of health and disease while others have stayed with the original vitalistic philosophy. This diversity of approaches has given the public a wide range of choice with regard to having their healthcare needs met, but has sometimes led to chiropractors being divided on how to best move the profession forward.