The Foundations of Chiropractic: From History to Modern Neuroscience
For more than 130 years, chiropractic has helped people care for their health. While the profession has evolved over time, one principle has remained the same: the body has an incredible ability to heal, adapt, and function when supported well.
Today, growing neuroscience research is helping us better understand how spinal adjustments influence the brain and nervous system, shaping the modern approach to chiropractic care.
Where Did Chiropractic Begin ?
Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer in Davenport, Iowa, USA.
According to chiropractic history, Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment on Harvey Lillard, a janitor who has experienced hearing loss following a workplace injury. Lillard reportedly noticed an improvement in his hearing after the adjustment. While the Harvey Lillard story remains an important part of chiropractic’s history and the profession’s beginnings, our understanding of chiropractic has continued to grow alongside scientific research.
Chiropractic has long been described as a blend of art, science, and philosophy. The Science continues to evolve through ongoing neuroscience research, with pioneering work by Dr Heidi Haavik helping us better understand how spinal adjustments influence the brain and support healthy nervous system function. The Art lies in applying that knowledge through skilled, individualised care, while the Philosophy is centred on the body’s remarkable ability to heal, adapt, and thrive when the nervous system is functioning well.
Why Is The Spine So Important ?
Your spine does much more to support your body. It protects your spinal cord while allowing you to bend, twist, reach, and move freely.
Every movement of your spine and joints sends important information back to your brain about where your body is in space. This sense, known as Proprioception, is often described as your body’s internal GOS. It plays an important role in posture, balance, coordination, and efficient movement.
When joints become restricted and don’t move well, the quality of information reaching the brain may change. Chiropractors assess how your spine and joints are moving and use gentle, specific, adjustments to help restore healthy movement and support healthy nervous system function.
Research suggests that spinal adjustments can influence how the brain processes information from the body, supporting body awareness, movement control, and the body’s ability to adapt.
Chiropractic Throughout Life
A healthy nervous system supports us through every stage of life. As out bodies grow and change, so do our healthcare needs. Chiropractic care is always tailored to the individual and their goals.
Babies: During the first year of life, the brain and nervous system develop at an incredible rate. Chiropractic care aims to support optimal nervous system function during this important stage of development. Many parents choose to have their babies checked to support comfortable feeding and latching, settled sleep, healthy digestion, and overall brain and nervous system development as their little one grows.
Children: Movement is how children learn. Running, climbing, balancing, and playing help develop coordination, body awareness, confidence, and healthy nervous system development.
Pregnancy and Motherhood: Pregnancy brings remarkable changed to the body. Many women choose chiropractic care to support comfort, balance, and optimal pelvic function throughout pregnancy. By supporting healthy nervous system function and movement, chiropractic care may also help create an environment that supports optimal foetal positioning and prepares the body for birth, alongside appropriate maternity care.
Active Adults and Athletes: Efficient movement is important whether you’re competing at an elite level or simply enjoy an active lifestyle. Chiropractic care may support mobility, coordination, body awareness, movement efficiency, and recovery as part of an overall health and performance plan.
Older Adults: Maintaining mobility, balance and confidence becomes increasingly important with age. Healthy nervous system function helps us stay steady on our feet, react to our environment, and remain active and independent throughout life.
A Lifetime of Healthy Nerve System Function
For more than a century, chiropractic has been built on the foundations of art, science, and philosophy. While philosophy has remained constant, modern neuroscience continues to deepen our understanding of how chiropractic care influences the brain and nervous system, supporting the body’s remarkable ability to adapt and function at its best.
Whether you’re bringing in your newborn, supporting your growing family, striving for your next sporting goal, or wanting to remain active as you age, chiropractic care is tailored to your individual needs and designed to support healthy nervous system function through every stage of life.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family and partnering with you on your journey to lifelong health and wellbeing.
