Did you know that chiropractic care was first linked to improved immunity more than 100 years ago, after the deadly flu epidemic? Chiropractic medicine was first developed by a Dr. D.D. Palmer of Davenport, Iowa when, in 1895, he noticed that his janitor was stooped and discovered one of the man’s vertebrae was out of place. The janitor, who was deaf, explained to the doctor that years earlier, he had moved the wrong way and lost his hearing as a result. Through a simple spinal adjustment, Dr. Palmer was able to move the vertebrae back into place and within 24 hours, the janitor reported that his hearing was back!
Two years later, Dr. Samuel Weed coined the term ‘chiropractic’ which was rooted in science and the principles of ‘osteopathy’ (that each person is equally body/mind/spirit). Osteopathy also states that the body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing and health maintenance. These philosophies or beliefs comprised the early practice of chiropractic care.
But twenty years later, it hadn’t yet gained footing among American patients. This was the Victorian Era where doctors were given vaulted status in society but patients were still subjected to rudimentary treatments, like leeching.
That changed in 1917-1918 when the deadly influenza epidemic began to spread around the world. It’s believed that a hog farm in Haskell County, Kansas was the first point of contact for the flu, which then spread to nearby Army barracks where soldiers were preparing to ship out during World War I. Most patients resorted to conventional medicine but mortality rates were high. In Davenport, Iowa where Dr. D.D. Palmer opened the Palmer School of Chiropractic, there were fifty licensed medical doctors in the city. They treated 5000 patients. 274 of them died. But in the same city, 150 chiropractors, students and faculty treated 1600 patients – and only one person died!
Curious citizens suddenly recognized the merit of chiropractic care. It wasn’t even about spinal health at that moment. They were desperate to stay alive and began seeking chiropractic treatments to ward off the flu. It was the first major public relations breakthrough for the burgeoning science and resulted in interest in the profession, from patients and new practitioners eager to learn how to treat the body better.
At Rushmore Family Chiropractic, we continue that tradition by treating the WHOLE body/mind/spirit using spinal adjustments and effective supplements. During fall and winter, it’s particularly important that our patients boost their immunities. A compromised immune system not only affects their well-being; it also affects our level of care for them.
We carry a list of excellent products that you can take on a daily basis including many that are safe and effective for children.
For kids, we recommend Metagenics Metakids baby probiotic, Nordic Nature Nordicberries, Flourish junior and Suppy’s children’s multivitamins. Adults can take Anabolic Laboratories Zinc Lozenges, Standard Process Immuplex, Metagenics ImmuCore and Progressive Laboratories Coryza Forte.
Have a question about immune support? Ask Lucy at our front desk!
