The first concept of chiropractic was originally conceived by the ancient Greeks in 17,500 BC. Chiropractic was officially founded by D.D.Palmer in 1895. He opened his first clinic in that same year. There has been much controversy over this form of treatment over the years but now it is recognized and licensed in over 50 countries and every state in the USA. There are 4 main groups of Chiropractictors; reform, mixers,objective straights, and traditional straights.



Chiropractic was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. He based his concept on the theory that adjustments of the spine could treat or prevent all health problems of the body including the spine and other joints. The adjustments would correct subluxations. He claimed that these subluxations were misaligned vertebrae, causing nerve compression, which in turn interfered with "Innate Intelligence" When this happened the human body would experience disharmony and ill health.

His first patient, a hearing impaired person, seemed to prove that his ideas might have some substance. The patient had a history of hearing loss, which he said was brought on by a back injury. Palmer found a vertebra out of place (subluxation) and put it back with chiropractic adjustment. The patient claimed that his hearing improved.

Palmer opened a school for chiropractic in 1897. At first enrolment was slow, 24 students in 10 years but now there are over 20 schools, with over 10,000 students enrolled. To become a chiropractor it takes 8 years of intensive study. A one-year clinical internship is required to graduate. Four national state examinations are required after graduation, to obtain a license to practice.

Now chiropractic treatment relies largely on manipulation and adjustment of the spine. Some chiropractors adhere to spinal adjustments and others have a broader approach. They combine chiropractic practices with other forms of medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition, and exercises. Others will combine other forms of alternative medicine. Some are even qualified to do minor surgery. No chiropractor will prescribe medicine for a patient.

Controversy has always surrounded chiropractic treatment. The AMA (American Medical Association) has had numerous fights with lawsuits on both sides. Only since the 1970s has chiropractic treatment been able to be part of medical insurance. Now many practitioners work with chiropractors for the benefit of their mutual patients.

For many years chiropractic has received a lot of negative publicity from the medical profession but with the rise of different forms of alternative medicine it is becoming a more accepted treatment. It now ranks second to conventional medicine in health care.