During four years of training, students of chiropractic are taught how to diagnose spinal misalignments and learn manipulative techniques to realign the spine. Their education may also include some nutrition education and sometimes basic instruction in the use of other holistic approaches, like homeopathy and nutritional supplements. Accessing this healing ability is the goal of chiropractic. Drugs suppress the immune system. Natural non-pharmaceutical choices are preferred first A balanced diet is considered crucial.
Regular exercise is considered essential.
Palmer was a self-educated healer from Davenport, Iowa. As the story goes, Palmer noticed a worker at his office building, Harvey Lillard, stooped over with back pain. He had apparently injured his spine 17 years before. Since then, he had complained of chronic back pain and a significant loss of hearing. Palmer located an area of misalignment in Lillard's spine and performed an adjustment.