The field of chiropractic may have been invented by a white man, but it was built on the literal back of a black one. Black history in chiropractic can be a touchy topic, and chiropractic is still a majority white practice to this day, both in terms of the professionals and the practice members. As with many facets of American society, prejudice unfortunately still exists, even in places meant to bring hope and health. To celebrate Black History Month, we at Greater Life Chiropractic want to shed some light on the history, the struggles, and the potential future of the black community in chiropractic.

The Beginning

To those familiar with the basic history of chiropractic as a field, you may know that the practice was founded in 1895 when a man named Daniel David Palmer (more commonly known as DD Palmer) gave the first recorded instance of a chiropractic adjustment. However, for every first practitioner, there must be a first patient, and that first patient was a man named Harvey Lillard. Lillard, an African American, was the owner/operator of a janitorial business in the Ryan building in Davenport, IA, the same building where DD Palmer worked. According to Lillard, he had been deaf for 17 years following a back injury and had stopped attempting treatment since nothing ever seemed to work. According to his account, after an adjustment from Palmer, his hearing was restored. Had it not been for this miraculous treatment, it’s likely that the field of chiropractic wouldn’t even exist today.

Shortly after the first adjustment was given, DD Palmer’s son BJ helped to establish the first chiropractic college. Upon opening, the school’s policy read, “No Negros Allowed.” Years later, BJ Palmer wanted to accept a black student to his program, but when a large portion of his current students threatened to leave the school, he folded under pressure and declined admission. It wasn’t until the mid-1900s that black students were welcomed at the oldest chiropractic college in the US.

Black Chiropractors

Although the first adjustment took place in 1895, the first black chiropractor didn’t graduate until 1913. Fred Rubel became the first certified black chiropractor, graduating from the National School of Chiropractic. He would go on to found the Rubel College of Chiropractic only a year later, which was open to all races.

Unfortunately, in the over 100 years since the school’s founding, the field has remained largely untouched by black individuals, with fewer than 5% of registered chiropractors today estimated to be African American.

Thankfully, that number appears to be on the increase. Life University, the largest chiropractic college in the world, is currently reporting that 20% of its student population is black. While that isn’t specific to the chiropractic program, Life is known for this program, and the numbers are very encouraging for the practice of chiropractic.

Black Practice Members

Across the country, the racial diversity amongst those under chiropractic care varies. Out of all of the ethnic demographics in the states, black people and Hispanics are the least likely to seek adjustments and chiropractic care. However, here at Greater Life Chiropractic in Charlotte, NC, we are breaking this cycle. Around 40% of our practice members are black, and we are consistently seeing more young black men and women enroll in and attend chiropractic school. 

Looking to the Future

Although there is quite a tumultuous history dealing with race and chiropractic, we are proud to be a part of the positive change that is taking place in our world and the world of chiropractic. The field of chiropractic has made great strides in the inclusivity of all races and is now actively engaging people of all races to pursue chiropractic as a career.

Our founder, Dr. Grant Lisetor, and the rest of our team of professionals are always hard at work doing the best they can to bring the miracles of chiropractic adjustments to as many people as we can. Because everyone deserves a chance at health and happiness, contact us today.