History of Chiropractic

 The history of Chiropractic dates all the way back to ancient China and Greece, where writings from 2600-1500 BC discuss spinal manipulation and the adjustment of extremities to relieve back pain. Hippocrates, the ancient Kosian (Greek) physician, wrote in depth about the health benefits of spinal adjustment. In one of his texts, he wrote "Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases."

Chiropractic came to the United States a little over 100 years ago. One day in September 1895, Dr Daniel David Palmer, a successful healthcare provider,  was talking to a janitor named Harvey Lillard, who had been deaf for several hears. Mr. Lillard told Dr. Palmer that 17 years prior, he had felt something "crack" in his back while he was working. After that he began to lose his hearing.

After their conversation, Dr Palmer performed an examination of the janitor's spine and found a misaligned vertebra. It was Dr Palmer's theory that, if the vertebra had "popped" out of place and caused deafness, it was possible that realignment could correct this problem. Mr Lillard agreed to test Dr Palmer's theory and laid face down along a couple of office chairs and then he quickly thrust the vertebra back into position, realigning the spine. Amazingly, the vertebra slid back into place relatively easily and, within a short period of time, Mr Lillard began to regain his hearing.

This Chiropractor in Oak Lawn has come a long way since Dr Palmer's initial discovery and we now use refined scientific procedures to adjust the spine and correct vertebral subluxations, which can lead to many health problems. At Hoekstra Chiropractic, we employ a diverse range of chiropractic techniques and technologies and we stay at the cutting edge of research and wellness. 

We're very proud to be part of the chiropractic tradition and to be able to provide chiropractic care in Oak Lawn. Our goal is to continue to advance chiropractic care and to effectively treat patients for many years to come.