Daniel David Palmer was born on July 3, 1845, in Canada. He spent his early years studying various forms of alternative medicine and was particularly interested in the concept of the spine being central to health.
Palmer and his family immigrated to America when he was still a young man. Once in America, Palmer worked a variety of odd jobs, including beekeeping, owning a grocery store, and teaching.
It was during his time in America that Palmer began to develop his theory of chiropractics. He believed that many illnesses stemmed from misalignments of the spine, which he referred to as "subluxations." This belief led him to create the field of chiropractics, which focused on correcting these subluxations to improve overall health.
One of Palmer's most famous cases involved a janitor who was hard of hearing. Palmer discovered that the janitor had a lump in his back, which he believed was connected to his hearing impairment. This case further solidified his belief in the connection between spinal health and overall well-being.
Palmer's son, B.J., also played a significant role in the development of chiropractics. However, the two often clashed over the direction of the chiropractic school they ran together. While Palmer focused on the philosophical aspects of chiropractics, B.J. was more interested in the scientific and medical side of the practice.
Despite facing criticism and skepticism during his lifetime, Daniel David Palmer's contributions to the field of chiropractics cannot be understated. His theories and techniques have helped countless individuals find relief from various health conditions and continue to influence the practice of chiropractics today.
Dr. Alex Comfort was another controversial figure in the field of alternative medicine. Many considered him a quack, much like Palmer, but both men made significant contributions to their respective fields.