Every September, chiropractors around the world celebrate the birthday of a profession that began with one remarkable encounter in Davenport, Iowa.
On September 18, 1895, D.D. Palmer examined Harvey Lillard, a Black businessman and custodian who worked in the same building. Lillard had experienced significant hearing loss years earlier after feeling something “pop” in his spine while working in a cramped position. Palmer identified an abnormal area in Lillard’s spine and delivered what became known as the first chiropractic adjustment. According to the profession’s traditional account, Lillard reported that his hearing improved afterward.
That moment did not answer every question, but it sparked a powerful new one: How much can the function of the spine affect the function of the body?
D.D. Palmer continued studying the relationship between the spine, the nervous system, and health. In 1897, he opened the Palmer School and Cure, now Palmer College of Chiropractic, to teach this new approach. His son, B.J. Palmer, later became known as the Developer of Chiropractic. B.J. expanded chiropractic education, advanced the use of spinal X-rays, supported research, and helped carry the profession from one small school into a growing worldwide movement.
A lot has changed in 131 years. Chiropractic education, examination methods, imaging, research, and adjusting techniques have all evolved. Yet the central idea remains: the body works best when it can move, communicate, and adapt without unnecessary interference.
That is why chiropractic has never been only about chasing pain. Pain may be what finally gets someone’s attention, but dysfunction often begins earlier—with restricted movement, postural strain, muscle imbalance, altered mechanics, or stress placed on the nervous system. Chiropractic care looks for those patterns and works to correct them, helping the body function more efficiently rather than simply waiting for the next flare-up.
At Rising Chiropractic, we continue that mission through specific chiropractic adjustments, objective examinations, corrective care, and individualized recommendations. We care about helping you move better, recover better, handle the physical demands of life, and build greater stability for the future.
Harvey Lillard could not have known that his experience would help launch a profession practiced around the world. D.D. Palmer discovered an idea. B.J. Palmer developed it. Generations of chiropractors have continued to refine it—and every patient who chooses to care for their spine and nervous system becomes part of that continuing story.
This September, we are proud to celebrate 131 years of chiropractic—and even prouder to carry its purpose forward, one adjustment and one life at a time. It is a history worth knowing and a future worth protecting.