The History Of Chiropractic - Written By: Dr. Rollins, Chiropractor In South Plainfield, New Jersey (Founder of Spinal Couture)

Chiropractic care, as a profession, traces its origins back to one man: Daniel David Palmer, who performed the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895. Palmer was not your typical medical practitioner of the time; he was a magnetic healer, a spiritualist, and deeply influenced by metaphysical ideas.

Much of his approach to health and healing stemmed from his personal religious beliefs. Palmer frequently claimed that his understanding of the human body and its ability to heal was divinely inspired. He often said that God had revealed these methods to him, and that he was merely a conduit for divine wisdom.

This spiritual approach to health, however, quickly drew criticism from the more scientifically grounded medical community, which was skeptical of any healing method rooted in faith rather than empirical evidence.

Palmer believed that many, if not all, diseases could be traced back to misalignments in the spine—what he termed “subluxations.” He theorized that these subluxations interfered with the body's ability to function properly by blocking the flow of what he called "innate intelligence," a life force that he believed coursed through the body.

According to Palmer, this vital force was essential to maintaining health, and spinal adjustments could unblock it, allowing the body to heal itself.

This concept, heavily influenced by the metaphysical and spiritual ideas of the late 19th century, placed early chiropractic somewhere between a medical intervention and a form of spiritual healing.

While Palmer’s conviction in the healing power of chiropractic adjustments was strong, his reliance on spiritual explanations left the profession vulnerable to criticism, particularly from the burgeoning field of modern medicine, which was building its foundations on science, research, and clinical trials.

Determined chiropractors persisted, working hard to distance their profession from its mystical origins. Chiropractic care in its early years was often criticized for being based more on faith than science, but practitioners who were passionate about the benefits they saw in their patients knew that to gain widespread acceptance, they had to ground their work in scientific rigor. This meant stepping away from the spiritual language that D.D. Palmer originally used and focusing instead on building a body of clinical research to support the efficacy of chiropractic care.

The Move Toward Scientific Validation Chiropractor South Plainfield

Chiropractors began conducting research and participating in clinical trials to better understand how spinal adjustments affected the body. They delved into the anatomy of the spine, learning how misalignments, or subluxations, could impact the nervous system and how adjustments could restore proper function. They also explored biomechanics—the study of movement—and recognized that the spine is not an isolated structure but is connected to every other part of the musculoskeletal system. By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractors could influence a patient’s overall posture, muscle balance, and joint function.

As more chiropractors adopted a scientific approach, they worked closely with medical researchers and published their findings in peer-reviewed journals. This not only helped chiropractors gain credibility within the broader medical community but also allowed them to refine their techniques. Research demonstrated that spinal adjustments could have real, measurable benefits, particularly for musculoskeletal issues like chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint dysfunction.

Chiropractic’s Focus on the Musculoskeletal System

In addition to adjusting subluxations to improve spinal alignment, chiropractors expanded their focus to the entire musculoskeletal system. They recognized that poor posture, muscle imbalances, and restricted joint movement could lead to a wide range of health issues. For example, poor posture could place additional strain on the muscles and joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and even nerve compression. Chiropractors began incorporating soft tissue therapies, exercises, and ergonomic advice into their treatment plans to address these broader concerns.

With an improved understanding of how muscles, joints, and nerves work together, chiropractic care began to take a more holistic approach to health. Chiropractors were no longer just “spine doctors”; they became experts in the overall function of the body’s movement systems. Treatments expanded beyond spinal adjustments to include therapies that supported proper muscle function, such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and soft tissue manipulation. This more comprehensive approach allowed chiropractors to treat a wider range of conditions and provide long-term solutions for patients dealing with chronic pain, mobility issues, or even postural imbalances.

The Validation of Chiropractic Care Through Research

One of the biggest breakthroughs in chiropractic care came as more research validated the effectiveness of spinal adjustments. Studies showed that adjustments could improve joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on nerves, all of which contributed to a reduction in pain. Chiropractic care became particularly well-known for its ability to treat low back pain—a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Clinical studies confirmed that chiropractic adjustments could provide significant pain relief, often without the need for medication or invasive procedures.

As research continued, the chiropractic profession was able to move away from the fringe and into the realm of evidence-based healthcare. The profession became known for its success in treating not only acute issues like sports injuries and muscle strains but also chronic conditions like sciatica, headaches, and neck pain. Chiropractic care was increasingly recognized as a safe, non-invasive alternative to surgery or long-term pharmaceutical use, particularly for conditions related to the spine and musculoskeletal system.

Chiropractic’s Role in Holistic Healthcare

As chiropractic care gained legitimacy, it also became a key player in holistic healthcare. Chiropractors now collaborate with other healthcare providers such as physical therapists, osteopaths, and medical doctors, offering patients a multi-disciplinary approach to their health. Instead of focusing solely on symptoms, chiropractors look at the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, emphasizing preventive care and patient education. This approach aligns with modern healthcare’s shift towards wellness and prevention, encouraging patients to take an active role in their health.

Chiropractors began offering lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling, and exercise recommendations to complement their treatments. These additional services made chiropractic care more comprehensive, as it addressed not just the symptoms but also the lifestyle factors that contributed to a patient’s health. Chiropractic evolved into a respected and integral part of holistic healthcare, helping patients manage pain, improve mobility, and achieve a better quality of life.

The chiropractic profession’s transformation from its metaphysical beginnings to its current status as a science-based healthcare field is a testament to the dedication of practitioners who sought to provide evidence-backed solutions. Today, chiropractic care is recognized worldwide as an effective treatment for musculoskeletal issues and is trusted by millions of patients seeking a natural approach to health.

A Profession Steeped in Controversy and Resilience

Despite its growing scientific foundations, the chiropractic profession was still plagued by controversy. In its early years, chiropractors were often accused of practicing medicine without a license. The mainstream medical community, particularly the American Medical Association (AMA), viewed chiropractic as a threat to conventional medicine.

The AMA, which had significant influence over the healthcare system, launched a well-documented smear campaign in an attempt to discredit chiropractors and eliminate chiropractic as a profession. Chiropractors faced arrests, legal battles, and a constant fight for legitimacy. Many chiropractors were jailed for practicing their trade, and the profession as a whole was under siege.

Yet, through these struggles, chiropractic showed incredible resilience. Chiropractors refused to back down. Unlike other alternative professions such as osteopathy, which eventually aligned itself with mainstream medicine, chiropractic fought to remain distinct. The chiropractic profession was determined to establish itself as a legitimate form of healthcare.

The turning point in chiropractic’s battle for credibility came in the 1980s, with a landmark Supreme Court case: Wilk v. AMA. This case exposed the extent of the AMA’s efforts to discredit and eliminate chiropractic.

It was revealed that the AMA had engaged in a systematic campaign to suppress chiropractic through unethical means, including spreading false information and discouraging collaboration between chiropractors and medical doctors. The court ruled in favor of chiropractors, a monumental victory that validated the profession and allowed chiropractors to practice without the constant threat of legal and professional persecution.

This victory marked a significant milestone in chiropractic’s journey to legitimacy. With the AMA’s influence curtailed, chiropractors were able to practice more freely, and the profession continued to grow in both scope and respectability. Today, chiropractic is a well-established part of the healthcare landscape, with chiropractors recognized as primary care professionals in many regions of the world.

The Modern-Day Chiropractor: A Focus on Science and Patient Care

Fast forward to the present day, and chiropractic care has largely shed the mystical and spiritual aspects that defined its early years. Chiropractors now operate as evidence-based practitioners, offering patient-centered care that emphasizes the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall health.

Gone are the days when chiropractic was viewed as a fringe or mystical practice. Modern chiropractic is grounded in science, with a strong focus on anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Chiropractic adjustments are no longer seen as a cure-all but are understood as part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach to health and wellness.

Today, chiropractors work to improve joint function, reduce pain, and support the body’s natural healing processes through scientifically understood methods.

Chiropractic adjustments, or spinal manipulations, are performed to correct misalignments in the spine, relieve pressure on nerves, and restore proper function to the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors also provide advice on posture, exercise, and ergonomics to support long-term health and wellness.

In my practice, I focus on evidence-based chiropractic care. I believe in the body’s ability to heal itself, but I also recognize that sometimes the body needs a little help. Chiropractic adjustments are not magic—they are carefully applied manipulations designed to restore proper joint function and reduce nerve interference.

By optimizing the function of the nervous system, chiropractic care can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall health. While some people still hold onto misconceptions about chiropractic—such as the myth that chiropractic adjustments can cause strokes—the profession is committed to dispelling these myths through education and ongoing research.

If You’re in Central Jersey, Let Me Be Your Chiropractor (South Plainfield, New Jersey)

If you’re in Central Jersey and curious about how chiropractic care can transform your health, I’d love the opportunity to meet you in person at my chiropractic office in South Plainfield, New Jersey. My practice was built from the heart—rooted in my passion for helping people heal and my unwavering belief that everyone deserves to live a life free from pain and full of vitality.

Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain, poor posture, or you’re simply looking to improve your overall well-being, I’m here to provide you with personalized, evidence-based care. At my practice, we focus on more than just temporary relief. When you walk through the doors, my goal is to make you feel welcome, heard, and supported.

Chiropractic care isn’t just about adjusting the spine—it’s about giving you the tools and knowledge you need to restore balance in your body and live your best life. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and health goals.

You can book an appointment here, and I can’t wait to partner with you on your journey to wellness.

Welcome to Your "Third Place" - Chiropractor In South Plainfield

I’ve always envisioned my chiropractic practice in central Jersey as more than just a chiropractic office. It’s a place where you can come to heal, to reset, and to take a breath from the stresses of daily life. In our busy world, many of us feel like we’re constantly pulled in a million different directions—between work, home, and all of life’s responsibilities, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. That’s why I’ve created a space where you can escape from all of that, if only for a little while.

Think of my practice as your “Third Place”. You have your home, you have your work, and then there’s this space—a sanctuary where your health and well-being come first. A place where you can step away from the noise, focus on yourself, and allow your body to heal in a calm, welcoming environment. It’s not just about the adjustments or treatments; it’s about creating an experience that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. I’ve carefully designed this space to be warm, inviting, and peaceful because I believe that healing starts the moment you walk in the door. Let me be your chiropractor in South Plainfield, New Jersey.

Not in the Area? I’ve Got You Covered!

I understand that not everyone is local to see a chiropractor in South Plainfield, New Jersey, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the resources I’ve created. Whether you're nearby or not, I’ve developed a few tools to help guide you on your wellness journey, no matter where you are.

• Take My Alignment Quiz: If you're not sure what your body needs or where to start, this quick quiz will help you better understand how your spine and posture are impacting your overall health. It’s a simple way to gain insight into potential issues and what steps you can take to correct them.

  
  

• Download My Ultimate Pain Management Checklist: I’ve put together a comprehensive guide with practical tips and strategies for managing pain and improving your quality of life. From daily habits to lifestyle adjustments, this checklist gives you actionable advice to help you feel better without relying on quick fixes or medications. It’s a great tool for anyone looking to take control of their health and stay pain-free in the long run.

  
  

No matter where you’re located, you don’t have to go through your health journey alone. Whether you’re booking an appointment with me in Central Jersey or utilizing these resources remotely, I’m here to support you. Let’s start your journey to better health today—because you deserve to feel your best, and I’m here to help you get there.