BIOREGULATORY MEDICINE

David Daniel Palmer, often referred to as D.D. Palmer, was a prominent figure in the field of alternative medicine and is widely recognized as the founder of chiropractic care. Born on March 7, 1845, in Port Perry, Ontario, Canada, Palmer's work laid the foundation for what would become a widely practiced form of manual therapy.

Early Life and Career

D.D. Palmer's early life was marked by a series of diverse occupations that reflected his restless curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit. Before discovering his calling in the field of health and healing, he worked as a teacher, a grocery store owner, and even a beekeeper. These varied experiences exposed him to different aspects of life and likely contributed to his open-minded approach to health and wellness.

During the mid-19th century, alternative healing practices such as magnetic healing, osteopathy, and herbal medicine were gaining popularity. Palmer became particularly interested in magnetic healing, a practice that involved the manipulation of the body's magnetic fields to restore health. This interest eventually led him to explore the relationship between the spine, the nervous system, and overall health.

The Discovery of Chiropractic Care

The defining moment in D.D. Palmer's career occurred on September 18, 1895, in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer performed what is now considered the first chiropractic adjustment on Harvey Lillard, a janitor who had been suffering from hearing loss for nearly 17 years. According to Palmer's account, Lillard mentioned that he had lost his hearing after feeling a "pop" in his back while working in a cramped position. Palmer examined Lillard's spine and identified a misaligned vertebra, which he then adjusted. Remarkably, Lillard reported a significant improvement in his hearing following the adjustment.

This event marked the birth of chiropractic care. Palmer theorized that misalignments in the spine, which he termed "subluxations," could interfere with the nervous system's function, leading to a wide range of health issues. He believed that by correcting these subluxations through manual adjustments, the body's innate ability to heal itself could be restored.

HISTORY - Daniel David Palme

Daniel David Palmer, the “father” of chiropractic

Founding of the Palmer School of Chiropractic

In 1897, just two years after his groundbreaking adjustment on Harvey Lillard, D.D. Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. This institution, now known as Palmer College of Chiropractic, was the first of its kind and became the cornerstone of chiropractic education. The school attracted students from across the United States and beyond, helping to spread the principles and techniques of chiropractic care.

Palmer's curriculum emphasized the importance of understanding the spine's anatomy and its relationship to the nervous system. He also taught his students the philosophical underpinnings of chiropractic, which included the idea that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself when free from interference.

The physician of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.

-Daniel David Palmer

Philosophical Foundations of Chiropractic

D.D. Palmer's philosophy of chiropractic was deeply rooted in the belief that the body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. He argued that the nervous system, which controls and coordinates all bodily functions, could be disrupted by spinal misalignments. These disruptions, or subluxations, were thought to impede the flow of "innate intelligence," a term Palmer used to describe the body's natural healing power.

Palmer's ideas were influenced by a combination of scientific inquiry, spiritual beliefs, and the alternative healing practices of his time. While his theories were met with skepticism by the mainstream medical community, they resonated with many who were seeking non-invasive and drug-free approaches to health care.

Contributions to Chiropractic Literature

D.D. Palmer was a prolific writer and thinker who documented his ideas and experiences in several publications. His most notable work, The Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic (1910), remains a foundational text in the field. In this book, Palmer outlined his theories on spinal subluxations, the nervous system, and the body's innate ability to heal. He also emphasized the importance of chiropractic as a distinct profession, separate from medicine and osteopathy.

Palmer's writings not only provided a theoretical framework for chiropractic care but also helped to legitimize the practice in the eyes of the public and future practitioners.

In addition to his seminal work, The Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic (1910), David Daniel (D.D.) Palmer authored another important book titled "The Chiropractor's Adjuster: A Textbook of the Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic for Students and Practitioners" (published in 1910 as well). This book is considered one of his most comprehensive and influential works, providing a detailed exploration of chiropractic principles, techniques, and philosophy.

Overview of The Chiropractor's Adjuster

The Chiropractor's Adjuster is a foundational text in chiropractic literature and serves as both a textbook and a philosophical manifesto. In this book, Palmer delves deeper into the theoretical and practical aspects of chiropractic care, expanding on the ideas he introduced in his earlier writings. The book is structured to guide students and practitioners through the core concepts of chiropractic, while also defending the profession against its critics.

Key Themes and Content

Philosophy of Chiropractic:
- Palmer reiterates his belief in the body's innate intelligence, the idea that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself when free from interference. He emphasizes the role of the nervous system as the primary conduit for this healing power.
- He introduces and elaborates on the concept of subluxations, which he defines as misalignments of the vertebrae that disrupt nerve function and lead to disease.
Science of Chiropractic:
- Palmer discusses the anatomy and physiology of the spine, nervous system, and other related structures. He explains how spinal misalignments can affect overall health by interfering with nerve transmission.
- He also explores the biomechanics of spinal adjustments, providing detailed descriptions of techniques for correcting subluxations.
Art of Chiropractic:
- Palmer emphasizes the importance of skill and precision in performing chiropractic adjustments. He shares his insights on how to assess patients, identify subluxations, and apply the appropriate adjustments.
- The book includes practical advice for practitioners, such as how to position patients and use their hands effectively during adjustments.
Defense of Chiropractic:
- At the time of writing, chiropractic was still a controversial and largely unrecognized practice. Palmer uses The Chiropractor's Adjuster to defend chiropractic against its detractors, particularly the medical establishment.
- He argues that chiropractic is a distinct and legitimate healing art, separate from medicine and osteopathy, and deserving of its own recognition and respect.
Spiritual and Metaphysical Elements:
- Palmer's writing often blends scientific ideas with spiritual and metaphysical concepts. He discusses the flow of "innate intelligence" through the nervous system, which he describes as a vital force that maintains health and harmony in the body.
- These spiritual elements reflect Palmer's broader worldview and his belief in the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health.

I am not the first person to replace subluxated vertebrae, but I do claim to be the first person to replace displaced vertebrae by using the spinous and transverse processes as levers... and to develop the philosophy and science of chiropractic adjustments.

-Daniel David Palmer

This quote reflects Palmer's acknowledgment of the historical context of spinal manipulation while emphasizing his unique contribution to the field. He recognized that spinal adjustments had been practiced in various forms throughout history, but he took pride in developing a systematic approach to identifying and correcting vertebral misalignments (subluxations) and establishing chiropractic as a distinct profession with its own philosophy and scientific principles.

This statement also highlights Palmer's confidence in his work and his belief in the importance of chiropractic as a transformative approach to health and healing. It underscores his role as a pioneer who not only practiced spinal adjustments but also created a framework for understanding and teaching the art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic care.

Legacy and Influence

D.D. Palmer passed away on October 20, 1913, but his legacy endures. His son, Bartlett Joshua (B.J.) Palmer, played a crucial role in advancing chiropractic care after his father's death. B.J. Palmer expanded the Palmer School of Chiropractic, refined chiropractic techniques, and worked tirelessly to gain legal recognition for the profession.

Today, chiropractic care is a widely accepted and regulated form of alternative medicine. Millions of people around the world seek chiropractic treatment for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal issues. The principles established by D.D. Palmer continue to guide the practice, even as the field has evolved to incorporate modern scientific research and technology.

Diversification of Chiropractic Techniques

While spinal adjustments remain the cornerstone of chiropractic care, the profession has diversified its techniques to cater to a wider range of patient needs. For example:

Soft Tissue Therapies: Many chiropractors now incorporate techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and massage to address muscle tension and improve mobility.
Functional Movement Training: Chiropractors often work with patients to improve movement patterns, balance, and coordination, helping to prevent injuries and enhance physical performance.
Instrument-Assisted Adjustments: Tools like the Activator Method and drop tables allow for gentler, more precise adjustments, making chiropractic care accessible to patients who may be uncomfortable with manual manipulation.

References

Cartoon drawing of 4 books lined on a shelf

Works Cited

Palmer, D. D. The Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic. 1910.

Palmer, D. D. The Chiropractor's Adjuster: A Textbook of the Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic. 1910.

Wardwell, Walter I. The Chiropractic Story. LCCN, 1992.

Gielow, Vern. B.J. of Davenport: The Early Years of Chiropractic. Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Education, 1981.

Palmer College of Chiropractic. History of Chiropractic. Palmer College of Chiropractic, www.palmer.edu/about-palmer/history-of-chiropractic/.

American Chiropractic Association. About Chiropractic. ACA, acatoday.org/About-Chiropractic.

International Chiropractors Association. Chiropractic: A Brief Overview. ICA, www.chiropractic.org/chiropractic-a-brief-overview/.

The Journal of Chiropractic Humanities. National University of Health Sciences, www.journalchirohumanities.com.

Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. BioMed Central, chiromt.biomedcentral.com.

World Health Organization. WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic. WHO, 2005.

BIOREGULATORY MEDICINE

The Discovery of Chiropractic Care

HISTORY - Daniel David Palme

Daniel David Palmer, the “father” of chiropractic

The physician of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.

-Daniel David Palmer

Philosophical Foundations of Chiropractic

Contributions to Chiropractic Literature

Overview of The Chiropractor's Adjuster

Key Themes and Content

-Daniel David Palmer

Legacy and Influence

Diversification of Chiropractic Techniques

References

Further Readings on Chiropractic

Modern Chiropractic Practice and Research

Chiropractic Philosophy and Principles

Chiropractic in Integrative Health Care