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History of chiropractic

The History of chiropractic begins in the late 19th century with its founding by Daniel David Palmer in 1895 in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer proposed that manual manipulation of the spine could cure disease by restoring the body's innate intelligence, a principle he believed was interrupted by spinal misalignments known as subluxations. The first chiropractic adjustment was reported to have cured a man's deafness, a claim that established the basis for chiropractic's early focus on the relationship between spinal health and overall wellness.

Chiropractic quickly grew in popularity, leading to the establishment of the first chiropractic school, the Palmer School of Chiropractic, founded by D.D. Palmer himself. The early 20th century saw significant opposition and legal challenges from the medical community, leading to efforts to professionalize and regulate the practice. Chiropractic gradually gained legal recognition and legitimacy, evolving its techniques and evidence base to include a broader focus on musculoskeletal health and wellness.

Throughout the 20th and into the 21st century, chiropractic has continued to grow globally, with practitioners adopting a mix of traditional principles and modern scientific research to treat conditions related to the spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. The History of chiropractic is marked by its resilience and adaptability, reflecting its enduring appeal and its integration into mainstream healthcare systems in many countries.

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