Chiropractic Founders Day

Chiropractic Founders Day is marked annually on September 18. In 2026, this date falls on a Friday. This day honors the birth of the chiropractic profession, which began with a single adjustment in 1895 and has since grown into a respected healthcare discipline that millions rely on for drug-free, hands-on care.

History of Chiropractic Founders Day

Chiropractic Founders Day commemorates September 18, 1895, when Daniel David Palmer—known as D.D. Palmer—performed the first chiropractic adjustment in Davenport, Iowa. His patient, Harvey Lillard, was a custodian in the same building where Palmer had an office. Lillard had lost most of his hearing 17 years earlier. After the adjustment, he noted that his hearing swiftly returned. Palmer, who had been practicing magnetic healing and studying human anatomy, theorized that minor spinal misalignments (which he called “subluxations”) could affect the nervous system and that manual manipulation of the spine could have a healing effect on the body.

Two years later, in 1897, Palmer established the Palmer School and Cure (now Palmer College of Chiropractic) in Davenport to teach his techniques. His son, Bartlett Joshua “B.J.” Palmer, followed in his footsteps and became a chiropractor as well. In 1926, B.J. Palmer founded the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), which continues to advocate for the profession. Early chiropractors faced fierce opposition—D.D. Palmer himself was jailed in 1906 for practicing medicine without a license—but their dedication helped the field gain recognition. By 1913, Kansas became the first state to license chiropractors, and today all 50 states license them.

Why is Chiropractic Founders Day important?

Chiropractic Founders Day is a time to reflect on how a single, innovative idea transformed healthcare. Chiropractic care is based on the principle that the body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism, and that spinal adjustments can help the nervous system function without interference. This drugless, surgery-free approach has helped millions of patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors, find relief from pain and improve their overall health.

The day also recognizes the sacrifices made by early chiropractors who fought for the profession’s survival. Many were jailed or faced harsh criticism, yet they persisted. Their efforts ensured that chiropractic would become a licensed, respected healthcare field. Today, more than 70,000 chiropractors practice in the United States, and over 35 million people visit a chiropractor each year.

• Honor the founders – Take a moment to learn about D.D. Palmer and B.J. Palmer, whose vision and determination shaped the profession.
• Appreciate modern chiropractors – Thank your own chiropractor or a practitioner you know for their dedication to patient care.
• Share the history – Tell friends or family about the origins of chiropractic, from the first adjustment in 1895 to the profession’s growth.
• Support chiropractic education – Consider donating to a chiropractic college or scholarship fund that helps train the next generation.
• Visit a chiropractor – If you’ve never tried chiropractic care, schedule an adjustment to experience its benefits firsthand.

How to Celebrate Chiropractic Founders Day

Chiropractic Founders Day is a celebration of the profession’s past, present, and future. Many chiropractic schools and organizations host events on campus or in their communities. For example, Life University in Marietta, Georgia, hosts an early birthday party with free food, giveaways, and chiropractic trivia. The International Chiropractors Association uses the day to expand awareness of chiropractic as a unique and distinct approach to healthcare. Patients often share their success stories on social media, using hashtags like #ChiropracticFoundersDay to spread the word.

Individuals can also celebrate by reading about chiropractic history, attending a local event, or simply expressing gratitude to a chiropractor who has improved their quality of life. The Joint Chiropractic encourages people to reflect on the progress made and the possibilities ahead, noting that research continues to grow and access expands. Whether you are a longtime patient or new to the field, Chiropractic Founders Day is an opportunity to appreciate the healing power of the hands and the legacy of a profession born from a simple, powerful idea.

Chiropractic Founders Day Dates