History of Chiropractic & the Nervous System | NYC Chiropractor

Where Chiropractic Began: The Spine and the Nervous System

The History of Chiropractic: From Harvey Lillard to Nervous System Health

What does chiropractic actually have to do with the nervous system?

To understand the philosophy behind modern chiropractic care, it helps to go back to where the profession began.

The history of chiropractic officially traces back to 1895 in Davenport, Iowa, when D.D. Palmer performed what is traditionally recognized as the first chiropractic adjustment. The patient was Harvey Lillard, a man who Palmer said had experienced significant hearing loss for approximately 17 years.

The story has become one of the most recognizable moments in chiropractic history.

But beyond the dramatic details, there was a bigger idea that would shape chiropractic for generations:

The relationship between the spine and the nervous system matters.

Who Was D.D. Palmer?

Daniel David Palmer, commonly known as D.D. Palmer, was a Canadian-born practitioner who eventually established his practice in Davenport, Iowa.

Before chiropractic formally existed, Palmer practiced what was then called magnetic healing.

According to Palmer College of Chiropractic, the chiropractic profession was founded in 1895, and Palmer later established the Palmer School and Cure in Davenport in 1897.

Palmer was interested in understanding why people developed health problems and whether the body's own healing capacity could be influenced through the nervous system.

That interest eventually led him toward spinal examination and adjustment.

Harvey Lillard: The First Chiropractic Patient

In September 1895, Palmer encountered Harvey Lillard, who worked in the building where Palmer had his office.

Historical accounts describe Lillard as having experienced severe hearing loss for approximately 17 years.

According to Palmer's account, Lillard explained that his hearing had changed after he was working in a cramped, stooped position and felt something give way in his back.

Palmer examined Lillard's spine and believed he had identified a displaced vertebra.

He then performed an adjustment.

According to the historical account, Lillard subsequently reported that his hearing had improved.

The event became the foundational story of chiropractic.

What We Can—and Can't—Conclude From the Lillard Story

This part is important.

The Lillard story is a historical account, not a modern clinical trial.

Historical sources document Palmer's version of events and Lillard's reported improvement. However, later historians have noted inconsistencies surrounding exactly what happened, including questions about the date, location, and anatomical details of the adjustment.

So the responsible takeaway isn't:

"Chiropractic was proven to cure deafness."

That's not what the historical evidence establishes.

The more interesting takeaway is the question the event inspired:

Could the function of the spine and nervous system influence the way the body operates?

That question became central to the development of chiropractic.

Chiropractic and the Nervous System

Early chiropractic theory placed enormous importance on the nervous system.

Palmer believed that the nervous system played a central role in coordinating the body's functions and that problems involving the spine could interfere with normal nerve function.

Early chiropractic terminology eventually referred to this concept as subluxation.

Chiropractic theory and clinical practice have changed significantly since 1895, and modern chiropractors practice using a variety of approaches.

But one idea remains particularly relevant:

The nervous system is fundamental to how the human body senses, coordinates, and responds to the world.

Why the Nervous System Matters

You don't have to think about your nervous system to use it.

It is working right now.

It's helping coordinate your:

• Movement

• Balance

• Posture

• Coordination

• Muscle activity

• Sensory information

• Responses to your environment

Every time you walk down the street, turn your head, reach for something, exercise, or simply maintain your balance while standing, your nervous system is involved.

Your body is constantly receiving information and responding.

That is why we believe your nervous system deserves attention—not only when something hurts.

From Symptom Hunting to Understanding the Whole System

One of the biggest differences in how we approach chiropractic at Flow State Chiropractic is the question we ask.

Instead of simply asking:

"Where does it hurt?"

we also ask:

"How is your body functioning?"

A symptom can be important information, but it doesn't necessarily explain the entire picture.

For example, someone may experience recurring neck tension.

The obvious response might be to focus entirely on the tight muscles.

But we can also ask:

• How is the person moving?

• How is the spine functioning?

• Is there a compensation pattern?

• How is posture influencing movement?

• How is the person responding to stress?

• What does the nervous system have to coordinate?

That broader perspective is where chiropractic can become much more than simply chasing pain.

Chiropractic Today

Modern chiropractic is not the same profession it was in 1895.

Today, chiropractors receive extensive education in anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnosis, and clinical assessment.

Different chiropractors also practice very differently.

Some focus primarily on musculoskeletal pain.

Others specialize in sports performance.

Others emphasize wellness and preventative care.

At Flow State Chiropractic, our focus is upper cervical chiropractic and personalized nervous-system-focused care.

Our goal is to objectively evaluate how your spine and body are functioning and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your individual goals.

Chiropractic as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

We don't believe an adjustment replaces healthy living.

Your nervous system and body need much more than chiropractic.

They need:

Movement.

Exercise.

Good nutrition.

Hydration.

Sleep.

Recovery.

Meaningful relationships.

Stress management.

Chiropractic can be one piece of that larger foundation.

Our philosophy is simple:

Don't wait until your body forces you to pay attention.

Pay attention now.

The Original Question Still Matters

More than a century after D.D. Palmer's first adjustment, the tools, technology, research, and understanding of the human body have changed dramatically.

But the curiosity that helped launch chiropractic remains relevant.

How does the spine interact with the nervous system?

How does the body adapt to stress?

How well are we moving?

How can we support the body's ability to function and adapt?

These are questions worth asking—not because chiropractic is a magic solution, but because your body is an interconnected system.

And understanding that system can change the way you think about your health.

Experience a Different Approach to Chiropractic in NYC

At Flow State Chiropractic, we believe healthcare should be personal.

Our approach combines detailed assessment with gentle, individualized upper cervical chiropractic care, with a focus on helping patients understand their bodies and take a proactive role in their health.

We serve patients throughout:

Lower Manhattan • Financial District • FiDi • Tribeca • SoHo • Battery Park

If you've been looking for a chiropractor in NYC who takes the time to understand you rather than simply treating the location of your symptoms, we'd love to meet you.

Your nervous system is working for you every second of every day.

Maybe it's time to start working with it.

Book your New Patient Experience with Flow State Chiropractic today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first chiropractic patient?

Harvey Lillard is traditionally recognized as the first chiropractic patient. Historical accounts state that D.D. Palmer adjusted Lillard's spine in Davenport, Iowa, in 1895.

Did Harvey Lillard really regain his hearing?

Historical records report that Lillard experienced significant hearing improvement after Palmer's adjustment. However, the event is based on historical accounts rather than modern scientific evidence establishing that the adjustment caused the improvement.

When was chiropractic founded?

The chiropractic profession is traditionally dated to 1895, when D.D. Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer established his school in 1897.

Why is the nervous system important in chiropractic?

The nervous system coordinates communication between the brain and body and plays an essential role in movement, balance, coordination, and adaptation. Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between spinal function and the nervous system, although specific theories and techniques vary among practitioners.