In September of 1895, Dr. Daniel David Palmer provided the first chiropractic adjustment to Harvey Lillard. Harvey lost his hearing ability seventeen years prior while he was stooped over fixing a sink; he heard
a "pop" in his back and could no longer hear. Dr. Palmer—who had dedicated his life to the study of the human body—reasoned that if the bone were moved back into its normal position, then Lillard's hearing would return. After several adjustment sessions, Lillard could hear again.

Dr. Palmer's treatments helped many people with a variety of illnesses including heart conditions, digestive problems and allergies. He was well read in medical journals of his time and had great knowledge of the developments that were occurring throughout the world regarding anatomy and physiology.

With the help of his son, Dr. Bartlett James Palmer, Dr. Palmer opened the first chiropractic college in Davenport, Iowa. The school was later renamed the Palmer School of Chiropractic, and has continued to be one of the most prominent chiropractic colleges in the nation.