Chiropractic Medicine

History

Manual manipulation of the spine and other joints in the body have been around for a long time.  Ancient writings from China and Greece dating between 2700 B.C. and 1500 B.C. mention spinal manipulation and the maneuvering of the lower extremities to ease low back pain.  In fact, Hippocrates, the Greek physician who lived from 460 to 357 B.C., published writings detailing the importance of manipulation. In one of his writings he declares, “Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases”.  Evidence of manual manipulation of the body has been found among the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Babylon, Syria, Japan, the Incas, Mayans and Native Americans.

The official beginning of the chiropractic profession is in 1895 when DD Palmer performed the first adjustment on Harvey Lillard. Based upon the improvement in that case he knew he was on to something.  Two years later, in 1897, Dr. Palmer went on to begin the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. This school continues to train doctors of chiropractic to this day.

Modern Chiropractic

Throughout the twentieth century, the profession of chiropractic has gained considerable recognition and scientific support.  Research studies that have clearly demonstrated the value of chiropractic care in reducing health care costs, improving recovery rates, and increasing patient satisfaction.  One very large study conducted in Canada, the 1993 Manga Study, concluded that chiropractic care would save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in work disability payments and direct health care costs. Several major studies conducted by the U.S. Government, the Rand Corporation and others, have all demonstrated the incredible value of chiropractic care.

At its core, chiropractic is still centered around manipulation of the joints. There are a wide variety of techniques taught to accomplish this. At Platte Valley Chiropractic, some of the techniques available are Diversified, Gonstead, Flexion Distraction, Logan Basic, and Instrument Assisted. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, there are therapy options to work on soft tissue tension and inflammation available.

Safety

Chiropractic is considered a very safe treatment approach to many conditions. You can find stories regarding manipulation of the neck causing strokes, but typically those manipulations were not performed by chiropractors. The vast majority of stroke related cases happen due to untrained personnel trying to replicate what they saw on the internet or in a chiropractic appointment. A recent article from 2025 examined Medicare participants and  looked at chiropractic manipulation vs pain medication vs primary care visits and found that chiropractic care had a 20% lower risk of adverse outcome when compared to pain medication and a 14% lower risk of adverse outcome when compared to primary care visits alone.

Chiropractic physicians are trained to recognize warning signs that would contraindicate an adjustment. They are also trained how to deliver an adjustment safely in order to minimize risk. It is important to convey your whole health history to your physician so that they can do an appropriate examination to rule out any risk factors.