On September 18, 1895 D. D. Palmer performed the first-ever chiropractic adjustment on Harvey Lillard, a deaf janitor, in Davenport, Iowa.
Palmer describes the incident in his 1910 book The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic: The Chiropractor’s Adjuster:
“Harvey Lillard, a janitor in the Ryan Block, where I had my office, had been so deaf for 17 years that he could not hear the racket of a wagon on the street or the ticking of a watch. I made inquiry as to the cause of his deafness and was informed that when he was exerting himself in a cramped, stooping position, he felt something give in his back and immediately became deaf. An examination showed a vertebra racked from its normal position. I reasoned that if that vertebra was replaced, the man’s hearing should be restored. With this object in view, a half-hour’s talk persuaded Mr. Lillard to allow me to replace it. I racked it into position by using the spinous process as a lever and soon the man could hear as before.”
Years ago I arrived at Palmer College of Chiropractic for my first visit and campus tour during the centennial celebration of chiropractic. It was a grand party with speakers from around the world. I remember seeing in a museum the actual washboard bench that Harvey Lillard received his first adjustment on… there were no cushions or padding. Thank goodness chiropractic tables have evolved since!
While the technology surrounding chiropractic has improved, with great advances in technique, equipment and x-analysis, one thing has remained a constant. The best chiropractors focus their care on detecting and correcting subluxations, just like D.D. Palmer did 120 years ago. For when a subluxation is reduced, proper nerve flow is restored so the body can function and heal at its best. I’m beyond thankful that chiropractic was discovered and shared with the world. Millions of people have benefited from chiropractic care, and countless other miracles have happened, some just as profound as Harvey Lillard’s!
Please join us on Thursday, September 17th as we celebrate Chiropractic’s 120th birthday in all three of our Crossroads locations!