Scott Batten

CP 1102
Monday, October 5th, 2015.
History of Chiropractic: Leaders, major events, institutions; Historical foundations of the healing
arts
Throughout the history of chiropractic there have been many models and theories created too determine
the way chiropractors should treat their patients in a clinical setting1. These theories date all the way
back to the founder of chiropractic Dr. D.D Palmer, passing it on to his son, and as far as today as
CMCC's vision, mission, and model of care. All these theories contributed to the way chiropractors are
taught and practice today.
The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College vision, mission, and model of care focuses on
creating the best chiropractors in spinal health2. They strive to to give their students the best education,
scientific research, and patient care2. CMCC believes in patient centred care and delivering the patient
the best form of treatment they can2. This theory differs greatly from Stephensons 33 postulates.
Stephensons postulates all involve innate intelligence and matter. Innate intelligence can be described
as coming from an external source and everyone has it1. Innate intelligence deals with being able to
know what is wrong with the patient and removing it through the process of treatment1. This is similar
to CMCC in the way that it is providing patient care and treating patients so that they can recover. It
differs in the way that CMCC provides a evidence based program of treating patients. The Palmer
postulates relied on their own thoughts of treating patients1. Dr. D.D Palmer believed that his patients
were feeling better because of the vibes and thoughts coming off of his hands, this was referred to as
the magnetic theory1. This theory was thought of as, finding inflammation and using palpation to treat
it1. Dr. D.D Palmer switched to a mechanical approach by providing manipulations but quickly
switched back to a more vitalistic approach because he believed it was better for his patients1. When
Dr. D.D Palmer passed on his institution to his son B.J., he took a more philosophic approach1. B.J did
not believe in diagnosing or a therapeutic approach, instead believed in knowing what is right for his
patients1. Again, these theories are similar in trying provide what they think is best for the patient but
differ greatly in the way they went about this treatment. Stephensons and Palmer's postulates relied a
great deal on forces from themselves and higher sources for their way of treating while CMCC relies
on facts and proved theories.
I believe one of the most important people and major events in chiropractic history was the
naming of B.J. Palmer the head of the chiropractic institution. B.J. Palmer amplified the profession of
chiropractic and developed it to new heights. B.J. Palmer took all the aspects of chiropractic including
art, science, and philosophy and built upon them3. He made the Palmer Institution of Chiropractic the
largest in the nation3. He took the profession to new heights and travelled around the world advertising
chiropractic3. B.J. Palmer also travelled around the world defending the profession of chiropractic and
making sure it was thought of as a mainstream source of medicine3. This is major part of chiropractic
history because without B.J. Palmer the profession of chiropractic may not have survived and it
definitely would not be as popular as it is today.
The evolution of chiropractic has increasingly made the profession more mainstream.
Chiropractic began as a very minor factor in healthcare but has continuously increased to become a
major factor4. This is due in great deal because of evidence based learning providing support for the
profession. In ancient healthcare, Hippocrates was the first to use manipulation as a way of treating
patients4. Hippocrates used plants and herbs as a way of increasing individuals nutrition4. He also was
the first person ever to write a book about how doctors should act in a professional setting4.
Hippocrates set standards for chiropractic which allowed people to build on them. No matter what

century it was there has always been a demand for spinal manipulation. From 1400 to 1800 there was a
major hole in health care history4. This was due to the increase in disease such as tuberculosis, which
made people defer from going to the doctors4. In the 18th century, chiropractic competed for popularity
because it was thought of as an irregular method4. Chiropractic began in the United States but was
thought of irregular method because anyone could put a sign up in their window saying doctor4.
During this time, there were many negative forces surrounding chiropractic including the media4. The
profession of chiropractic has grown so much over the years in becoming a mainstream source of
healthcare. Today, chiropractors are though of as being professional in treating musculoskeletal
problems and being real doctors. It is an exciting time in the profession and we are lucky to be apart of
it.
In conclusion, chiropractic has come along way and continues to grow. Becoming a
chiropractor results in becoming a life long learner and being able to change with the times.
Chiropractors are a mainstream source of healthcare because of the evidence based form of learning it
has taken on.

References
1. Haldeman S. Principles and Practice of Chiropractic. 3rd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill
Medical Publishing Division; 2005.
2. Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College[Internet]. Canada: Our Vision and Mission;
2015[cited 2015 September 27]. Available from http://www.cmcc.ca/page.aspx?pid=426
3. Wardell WI. The Sixteen Major Events in Chiropractic History. Chiropractic History, CH. 1996:
19(1): 66-71
4. Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College; History of Chiropractic[ E-learning Module]; 2015.