Chiropractic and Infectious Diseases: History

Chiropractic, a key discipline in natural health, has proven effective in the treatment of infectious diseases. Discover its history and impact on health.

Chiropractic has played a crucial role in the history of natural health, especially during epidemics. Let’s explore how chiropractic adjustments have influenced the recovery from infectious diseases, highlighting its impact during the 1918 flu.

Chiropractic and Infectious Diseases

By Dr. Christopher Kent As a collector of chiropractic memorabilia, I am amazed at the breadth of vision demonstrated by those who preceded us. Even more impressive are some of the spectacular results reported by early chiropractors in patients with infectious diseases. An example where chiropractic has been a beacon of light was during the 1917-1918 flu epidemic, which brought death and fear to many Americans. It is estimated that 20 million people died worldwide, including about 500,000 Americans. Walter Rhodes offers fascinating insights into the profession during those years. A pioneering chiropractor who wrote, “I was about to leave the business when the flu epidemic came, but when it was all over, I was firmly established in practice.” The results were spectacular. Rhodes reported that in Davenport, Iowa, doctors treated 93,590 patients with 6,116 deaths – the loss of one patient out of every 15. Chiropractors from the Palmer Chiropractic School adjusted 1,635 cases, with only one death. Outside Davenport, Iowa chiropractors attended to 4,735 cases with only six deaths – one out of every 866. During the same epidemic, in Oklahoma, 3,490 patients recovered from the flu with chiropractic care, with only seven deaths. Additionally, chiropractors were called in for 233 cases given up after receiving medical treatment, and reportedly, “all but 25 were saved.” The anonymous authors of the 1925 book “Chiropractic Statistics” conducted a broader study. This text is a compilation of a questionnaire response from chiropractors practicing chiropractic. The report covers 99,976 cases reported by 412 chiropractors of 110 specific conditions. Here’s a sample: Gonorrhea: 408 cases were reported by 136 chiropractors involved. 341 cases showed a complete or “very definite” recovery. 66 cases showed little or no improvement. There was one death. The declared recovery percentage was 83.6%. Flu: Reports were given on 4,193 cases by 213 chiropractors. 4,104 showed a complete recovery. 79 patients showed little or no improvement, and 10 deaths were recorded. The recovery percentage was 99.4%. Measles: 121 chiropractors reported 673 cases. 665 cases showed a complete or “very definite” recovery. Seven showed little or no improvement. One death was reported. The recorded recovery percentage was 98.8%. Scarlet Fever: There were 149 cases by 60 chiropractors. 147 cases of total recovery were recorded. Two showed little or no improvement. There were no deaths. The recovery percentage was 98.7% Smallpox: 45 chiropractors attended to 101 cases. 100 showed complete recovery. One was referred to another professional. There were no fatalities. Chiropractic texts also addressed the strategies of adjustments and the management of patients with infectious diseases. “Chiropractic Practice – Volume 1 – Infectious Diseases” discusses adjustment techniques and the management of cases of conditions, including, for example, measles, mumps, chickenpox, typhoid fever, meningitis, malarial fevers, whooping cough, infantile paralysis, and tuberculosis. Of course, it was a different era. Today’s research methodology simply did not exist. Moreover, chiropractic is not a treatment for a specific disease. I believe these statements from the past are fascinating when taken in the context of contemporary biology. Recent research has revealed much about how the nervous system is involved in the immune process. A comprehensive review of the literature summarizes our current understanding. “The brain and the immune system are the two main adaptive systems in the body. During an immune response, the brain and immune system “talk to each other” and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis… Two pathways link the brain and the immune system: the autonomic nervous system (ANS) through direct neuronal influences, and neuroendocrine humoral secretion through the pituitary gland… the ANS regulates the functioning of all tissues and organs innervated throughout the body except for skeletal muscle fibers” In a world where we face antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and viral diseases lacking effective treatments, the role of chiropractic care in enabling optimal immune system functioning deserves closer exploration. REFERENCES 1. Rhodes WR: “The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas.” Texas Chiropractic Association. Austin, TX. 1978. 2. “Chiropractic Statistics.” Chiropractic Research and Study Service. Burton Shields Press. Indianapolis, IN. 1925. 3. Wells BF, Janse J: “Chiropractic Practice. Volume 1. Infectious Diseases.”