Chiropractic Founders Day

Chiropractic Founders Day, observed on September 18, commemorates the beginnings of chiropractic care and the work of D.D. Palmer, who is widely recognized as the founder of chiropractic. The date recalls the first chiropractic adjustment, performed in 1895, an event that marked the start of a health care approach centered on the relationship between the spine, the nervous system, and overall well-being.

The observance offers an opportunity to learn more about chiropractic’s history and recognize the professionals who help patients pursue improved mobility, comfort, and wellness. Whether you visit a chiropractor, explore the development of the field, or simply take a moment to appreciate the importance of caring for your musculoskeletal health, September 18 is a meaningful day to reflect on chiropractic’s enduring influence.

Chiropractic Founders Day is observed on **September 18** to commemorate the event traditionally regarded as the beginning of chiropractic care. On September 18, 1895, Daniel David Palmer—often called D.D. Palmer—performed an adjustment on Harvey Lillard, a janitor working in the building where Palmer practiced in Davenport, Iowa. According to the account preserved in chiropractic history, Lillard had experienced a hearing problem after an earlier back injury, and Palmer connected the condition with a misaligned vertebra. Palmer’s treatment was later described as the first chiropractic adjustment.

The episode became the foundation of Palmer’s developing theory that disorders could be associated with problems affecting the spine and the nervous system. In 1896, he established the Palmer School of Magnetic Cure in Davenport, which was later renamed the Palmer School of Chiropractic. His son, Bartlett Joshua Palmer, helped expand and organize the profession, contributing to the growth of chiropractic colleges, professional associations, and clinics during the early twentieth century.

Over time, September 18 came to serve as a commemorative occasion for chiropractic practitioners and supporters. The observance reflects the profession’s evolution from D.D. Palmer’s original theories and early teaching efforts into a broader health-care field with formal educational institutions and licensing systems in many jurisdictions. Chiropractic has also remained a subject of debate, particularly concerning the evidence for some claims and the appropriate scope of treatment; this history is part of the wider context in which the day is observed.

Culturally, Chiropractic Founders Day provides an opportunity to recognize the profession’s origins, honor the individuals associated with its early development, and discuss chiropractic’s place in modern health care. Clinics, schools, and professional organizations may use **September 18** for educational programs, historical retrospectives, public outreach, or appreciation of chiropractors and their patients. The day’s central meaning rests on the 1895 event in Davenport and the lasting influence it had on the identity of chiropractic.