Chiropractic Founders Day, celebrated annually on September 18th, marks a pivotal day in healthcare history. It was on this day in 1895 that D.D. Palmer, the visionary founder of chiropractic, performed the first chiropractic adjustment, giving birth to a profession that has transformed the health and lives of millions. This year, as we celebrate the 98th anniversary of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), we honor not only the origins of chiropractic but also the remarkable strides the profession has made in improving the quality of life for patients around the world.

D.D. Palmer’s first chiropractic adjustment, performed on Harvey Lillard, a man who had suffered hearing loss, sparked the development of a revolutionary approach to healthcare. By adjusting Lillard’s misaligned vertebra, Palmer restored his hearing. Palmer believed that spinal health was integral to the body’s ability to heal itself and that proper alignment of the spine could correct a wide range of health issues. This philosophy remains at the heart of chiropractic today, with chiropractors worldwide dedicated to promoting health and healing from the body itself.

The ICA, founded in 1926, has been at the forefront of advancing chiropractic care for 98 years. Under the leadership of D.D.’s son, B.J. Palmer, chiropractic expanded into a recognized and respected healthcare profession. B.J. Palmer not only helped build the foundational principles of chiropractic but also advocated for the establishment of chiropractic licensure and education. His efforts ensured that chiropractors would be able to practice with the recognition and respect they deserved, and today, thanks to the ICA and other organizations and individuals like it, chiropractic is recognized as an essential part of healthcare.

The ICA’s mission over the last 98 years has been to protect, promote, and advance chiropractic worldwide. It continues to uphold the values established by the Palmers, ensuring that chiropractic remains focused on non-invasive, drug-free, and patient-centered care. With members in over 50 countries, the ICA is dedicated to educating the public about the vital role chiropractic plays in maintaining optimal health. Each year, Chiropractic Founders Day serves as a reminder of the life-changing benefits that chiropractic care brings to millions and reinforces the ICA’s commitment to advancing the profession.

Chiropractic Founders Day is not only about celebrating history but also about looking forward to the future of healthcare. The 98th anniversary of the ICA highlights nearly a century of progress, innovation, and dedication to chiropractic and chiropractors. We continue to embody the pioneering spirit of the Palmers, embracing new research, techniques, and technologies while staying true to the core principles of chiropractic.

On this Chiropractic Founders Day, we honor not only the achievements of D.D. Palmer and B.J. Palmer but also the ICA’s ongoing efforts to advance chiropractic globally. Our work has ensured that chiropractic is not only here to stay but will continue to thrive, bringing health, healing, and hope to countless individuals.

As we approach the centennial birthday of the organization, we invite you to share the ICA and chiropractic with your own community. The message of chiropractic is for everyone, and everyone benefits from a world where chiropractic is more accessible. If you aren’t a member of the ICA yet, we invite you to join us! There has never been a better time to get involved. There are always new member benefits, new events, and new initiatives to take part in.

The 99^th Annual Convention will be held in Clearwater, Florida, April 4-5, 2025 and the once-in-a-lifetime 100^th Anniversary Celebration will be held in April of 2026 in Washington, DC. Mark your calendars and make your plans to be there – you can’t miss it!