Chiropractic began with a simple yet profound discovery by D.D. Palmer in 1895. He found that restoring movement to a misaligned vertebra in a deaf man’s spine improved his hearing. This observation led him to develop the understanding that the nervous system controls every function of the body and that interference along the spine can affect overall well-being (1).
The spine is more than a stack of bones; it protects the spinal cord, which acts as the body’s electrical wiring. When a vertebra shifts out of place, even slightly, it can cause nerve irritation. These interferences, which Palmer called subluxations, can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body. By addressing these shifts, chiropractors aim to help the body work as it was designed.
The Nervous System’s Role in Health
Every function in the body, from digestion to breathing, depends on the nervous system. The brain sends signals down the spinal cord and through nerves to coordinate movement, immune responses, and emotions. If these signals are blocked or distorted by spinal misalignments, problems can arise.
Many people think of the spine as posture or back discomfort, but its influence extends far beyond that. A misaligned vertebra may affect nerves connected to digestion, breathing, or muscle function. Since the nervous system oversees many processes, interference in one area can lead to effects elsewhere in the body.
The Body’s Ability to Self-Heal
D.D. Palmer described chiropractic as working with the body’s natural ability to heal rather than forcing change through external means. Health comes from within, and when the body is free from interference, it maintains itself as it was designed to (1).
This idea is simple but powerful: the body is built to heal itself. A cut on the skin closes on its own. A broken bone mends without outside intervention provided the body has what it needs. Chiropractic does not heal-it removes obstacles that prevent the body from working correctly.
Changes That Happen After Spinal Adjustments
People often notice improvements in energy, mobility, and comfort after receiving chiropractic care. Some experience better digestion, clearer thinking, improved sleep, and even enhanced immune function. These changes aren’t coincidences. When nerve interference is reduced, the body operates more efficiently.
One common example is the way chiropractic helps infants and children. Many parents bring their newborns to a chiropractor because of colic, feeding difficulties, or trouble sleeping. Birth can be physically demanding, and small misalignments in the spine may contribute to discomfort. By gently adjusting the spine, chiropractors help restore normal nerve function, leading to improvements in well-being.
Athletes also rely on chiropractic to improve performance. When the spine moves properly, muscles coordinate better, reaction times improve, and endurance increases. Many top athletes see chiropractic as essential, not just for recovery but for achieving peak performance.
Chiropractic Respects the Body’s Natural Design
Unlike approaches that attempt to mask symptoms, chiropractic works with the body’s structure and function. Instead of forcing change, it restores normal movement and alignment, allowing the body to express health naturally.
D.D. Palmer understood that the body is self-regulating. A properly aligned spine reduces stress on the nervous system, allowing the body to function at its highest level. Many people experience noticeable improvements, not because something was “fixed,” but because interference was removed, letting the bodywork as it was meant to.
Palmer’s discovery over a century ago was just the beginning of a deeper understanding of how the nervous system controls health. The body’s wisdom is already present. Chiropractic removes the obstacles that get in its way.
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1.Palmer, D.D. (1910). The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic. Portland Printing House.
