• Troyanovich S
• Waters T

• Chiropractic / history
• Influenza Pandemic, 1918-1919

As the Spanish influenza of 1918 swept across the globe, traditional medical systems became overwhelmed and ineffective in the face of the fast-spreading and poorly understood virus. Amid this chaos, chiropractic - then a relatively new and largely unregulated field - emerged as a surprising source of care and hope for many. 

In today's world, where pandemics like COVID-19 remind us of the limits of any single medical approach, the experience of chiropractic in 1918 suggests that alternative and complementary apporaches can play a meaningful role, especially when conventional systems are strained.

The Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918 was a defining moment not only for public health but also for the chiropractic profession. Though the data may not meet modern scientific standards, the historical accounts reflect a time when chiropractic care made a significant impression on patients and communities. As we contiune to navigate global health challenges, revisiting this history can offer both inspiration and perpective on the value of diverse healing pracitices in the face of adversity.

This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. Article only available in print.