Transforming the Health of the Culture: A Chiropractic Black History Perspective
Chiropractic care is a revolutionary act. In a healthcare system that has historically marginalized Black Americans, the ability to reclaim agency over our health is a form of resistance. For too long, the Black community has been systematically excluded from equitable access to healthcare, resulting in devastating health disparities. The structural inequities woven into the healthcare system have led to a legacy of distrust, exacerbated by exploitative medical practices, misdiagnoses, and neglect. But chiropractic care, rooted in principles of holistic health and the body’s innate ability to heal, presents an opportunity for transformation. It is a practice that does not merely treat symptoms but seeks to restore balance, alignment, and wellness—concepts deeply ingrained in the healing traditions of the African diaspora. This Black History Month, we reflect on the journey of chiropractic in the Black community and how it can be the key to a healthier future. The time has come to rewrite the narrative, to move from exclusion to empowerment, and to reclaim our health as a fundamental right, not a privilege.
The Reality of Health Disparities
Black Americans face disproportionate rates of chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders. Chronic low back pain (CLBP), one of the leading causes of disability in America, affects over 11% of the population, yet Black Americans remain underrepresented in chiropractic care utilization (Bartlett, 2024). Instead, they are more likely to be prescribed opioids at a higher rate while being under-prescribed non-pharmaceutical interventions like chiropractic (Bartlett, 2024). This systemic failure is not by accident; it is a reflection of a long history of racial inequities in medicine.
These disparities are compounded by broader structural issues such as economic instability, inadequate health insurance coverage, and geographic barriers to accessing care. Many Black communities lack local chiropractic clinics, making it difficult to incorporate chiropractic into their healthcare routine. Additionally, misinformation about chiropractic care, perpetuated by the mainstream medical system, has contributed to its underutilization in Black communities. Addressing these disparities requires not only increasing access to chiropractic services but also fostering a cultural shift that reframes chiropractic as an essential component of Black health and wellness. When access is expanded, education is prioritized, and systemic barriers are dismantled, chiropractic can serve as a powerful intervention in closing the gap in health outcomes for Black Americans.
Chiropractic as a Catalyst for Change
Chiropractic is uniquely positioned to address these disparities. It is a holistic, non-invasive, and evidence-based approach to healthcare that aligns with ancestral healing traditions of the Black diaspora. Chiropractic care does not rely on pharmaceuticals, making it a critical tool in combating the overmedication of Black patients. More importantly, it shifts the paradigm of healthcare from reactive to proactive—focusing on prevention, mobility, and overall wellness rather than symptom suppression. Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can influence neuroplasticity, improving brain function, reducing pain perception, and enhancing sleep quality (Haavik et al., 2024). This means that beyond addressing musculoskeletal pain, chiropractic care can positively impact mental health, stress resilience, and overall quality of life. As the Black community continues to face disproportionate stress-related illnesses, including hypertension and cardiovascular disease, embracing chiropractic as a fundamental part of our wellness strategy is crucial.
The Exclusion of Black Chiropractors
Historically, Black chiropractors were intentionally excluded from the profession. Palmer College of Chiropractic, the birthplace of chiropractic, actively restricted Black students from enrolling from 1920 to 1950 (Bartlett, 2024). Even when they were allowed, systemic barriers—including financial burdens, lack of mentorship, and racism within the profession—continued to keep their numbers disproportionately low. The struggle for inclusion extended beyond educational institutions and into professional spaces, where Black chiropractors often faced limited employment opportunities, lack of access to major chiropractic networks, and difficulties in obtaining practice loans. Without institutional support, many Black chiropractors were forced to operate in isolation, without the referral networks or resources readily available to their white counterparts.
Despite these obstacles, pioneering Black chiropractors persisted. Figures like Dr. Bobby Westbrooks, who founded the American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) in 1981, worked to create a support system for Black chiropractors and increase awareness within the Black community. The existence of organizations like the ABCA has helped to mentor, train, and encourage Black students to enter the field, yet the numbers remain disproportionately low. Today, only 6.8% of chiropractic students identify as Black (Bartlett, 2024), demonstrating that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Without representation, our communities remain underserved, and trust in chiropractic as a viable healthcare option remains low. Expanding the presence of Black chiropractors is a necessary step in bridging healthcare gaps and transforming the way Black Americans receive care.
The Power of Representation
Doctor-patient race concordance (DPRC) plays a significant role in healthcare utilization. Studies show that 37.6% of Black Americans would consider seeing a chiropractor if the provider shared their racial identity, and that number jumps to 83.1% if referred by a family member or friend (Bartlett, 2024). This highlights the deep-seated trust issues between Black communities and the healthcare system, where past mistreatment has led many to be skeptical of providers who do not reflect their lived experiences.
When Black patients see Black chiropractors, they often feel more comfortable discussing their pain, concerns, and treatment options. Black chiropractors bring a level of cultural awareness that fosters better patient-practitioner relationships, improving overall health outcomes. Furthermore, representation encourages younger generations to see chiropractic as a viable career path, helping to diversify the field and create a cycle of empowerment within the community.
The Mission Moving Forward
The path to transforming Black health through chiropractic care requires a collective and sustained effort. It is not enough to acknowledge disparities without actively working to close the gaps. This means increasing the visibility of Black chiropractors, ensuring that communities have access to culturally competent care, and reshaping the conversation around holistic wellness.
Our mission must extend to supporting Black chiropractic students as they navigate the rigorous demands of chiropractic school and transition into practice. The first few years post-graduation are critical, and rather than allowing our new graduates to flounder, we must create a system that uplifts and nurtures them. We cannot afford to "eat our young"—we must invest in them. When we support our students through school, into licensure, and beyond, we are ensuring the future of Black chiropractic care.