The Evolution of Chiropractic
In 1897, D.D. Palmer founded a school in Davenport, Iowa, where he taught students his clinical methods of palpation and spinal adjusting, calling this new practice Chiropractic.
By the early 1900s, the Chiropractic paradigm had its objective solidified as follows:
“Vertebral Subluxation impinges nerves, which causes dysfunction, and the Chiropractic Adjustment of Vertebral Subluxation influences normal function, improved tone, and health.”
D.D. Palmer’s clinical methods led him to believe that vertebrae (or bones in the spine) could be displaced slightly or, in other words, an “incomplete luxation” within the articular surfaces. Articular surfaces are the parts where the bones stacked on top of each other meet to glide and move.
Palmer believed that when these vertebrae suffered an incomplete luxation, the neurological tissue surrounded by the bones of the spine could experience impingement or stretching due to the negative structure of the vertebrae in their luxated position.
The Chiropractic Luxation was the founding terminology for what we now call vertebral subluxation.
Although the terminology has changed, the art still carries the heritage grounded in the same tactics D.D. Palmer used over 125 years ago. With time comes more knowledge, and the science and understanding of physiology over the last century confirm what was once merely clinical postulation.
Where will the next 125 years take the profession, research, and art of adjusting chiropractic luxations or vertebral subluxations? What new insights will the profession gain to better educate and equip society in the philosophy, science, and art of Chiropractic?
D.D. and B.J. Palmer spent years developing the philosophy of Chiropractic, and the search for more understanding still exists, with room for positive learning about what we don’t yet know. In founding and developing the technical excellence of Chiropractic, the Palmers always stayed within their lane by maintaining a philosophical basis for what they were pursuing.
The language may have changed from luxation to subluxation, but the philosophical objective has remained true and tested.
In the past 10 years of practice, I’ve learned more and seen more positive impacts on the quality of life within the community I serve than I ever thought possible. With this growth in understanding of the benefits of chiropractic on well-being, I’ve humbled myself with the idea that there is still more to learn, and my professional opinion is just getting started.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trent Scheidecker, DC | ChiroWay of Woodbury | Owner & Chiropractor
Trent Scheidecker, DC frequently visited his chiropractor when he was in high school and knew the benefits he experienced were worth the time and investment to become a chiropractor. He wanted to help his community experience a higher quality of life through regular chiropractic care. In 2010 Trent founded ChiroWay in Woodbury and since that time has served over 3,000 clients. He has been named “Best of Woodbury” in Woodbury Magazine seven times. Trent has also mentored colleagues in practice and franchised ChiroWay in 2012. Today, there are 8 ChiroWay locations throughout Minnesota.
