The Wild Story of How a Deaf Janitor Sparked Chiropractic Care
It was 1895, and Harvey Lillard was just trying to get through another workday as a janitor in a building in Davenport, Iowa. What he didn’t expect? That a chance encounter with a self-taught healer named D.D. Palmer would change his life—and the future of healthcare—forever.
Lillard had been deaf for years, ever since an accident left him without his hearing. He had long given up hope that it would return. But Palmer, ever the curious observer, noticed something strange—a misalignment in Lillard’s upper spine. On a hunch, he performed an adjustment. And then? Lillard’s hearing improved.
Wait… A Spinal Adjustment Restored Hearing?
Now, before you start booking a chiropractor for every ailment under the sun, let’s be clear: chiropractic care doesn’t cure deafness. But what Palmer stumbled upon was a connection between spinal alignment and nervous system function—a principle that remains the foundation of chiropractic care today.
Palmer was so intrigued by this discovery that he founded the field of chiropractic care, based on the idea that spinal misalignments (subluxations) can interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. He believed that correcting these misalignments could help restore proper function and alleviate pain.
From Fringe to Science-Backed Healthcare
Like most disruptive ideas, Palmer’s theories were met with skepticism, pushback, and even legal trouble. Back then, “alternative medicine” was basically code for “witchcraft” in the eyes of the establishment. Palmer was even arrested for practicing medicine without a license.
But chiropractic care didn’t just survive—it thrived. Today, more than 35 million Americans visit chiropractors each year, and the profession is recognized as a legitimate, science-backed approach to pain relief and overall wellness. Chiropractors now undergo years of specialized training and use evidence-based techniques to help patients with everything from back pain to mobility issues to nervous system function.
What This Means for You
Pain, stiffness, and movement restrictions aren’t just part of getting older—they’re signals that something is out of alignment. Chiropractic care isn’t about cracking backs for fun (though, let’s be honest, it is oddly satisfying). It’s about restoring balance, improving movement, and keeping your body functioning at its best.
Here’s what modern chiropractic care can do for you:
Reduce pain and stiffness from everyday wear and tear.
Improve mobility and posture so you move better, longer.
Support nervous system health, helping your body function optimally.
Your Spine’s Future is in Your Hands
Harvey Lillard had no idea that one adjustment would spark an entire field of healthcare. And while we may not be restoring hearing today, we are helping people move better, feel better, and live pain-free.
Book an appointment today and experience the benefits of chiropractic care firsthand.
P.S. Ever had an adjustment that made a huge difference? Tell us about it.