Chiropractic's Historic Courtroom Victory

Back in 1976, a chiropractor by the name Dr. Chester Wilk and a few of his colleagues took on the American Medical Association (AMA) in court, a case that would span over a decade. This was because the AMA was working hard to shut down the chiropractic profession, referring to it as unscientific, and even telling medical doctors not to work with chiropractors at all. The AMA even had a group called the "Committee on Quakery" whose mission was to eliminate chiropractic all together.

The Outcome

• In 1987, Judge Susan Getzendanner of the U.S. District Court ruled that the AMA was guilty of an illegal conspiracy against chiropractic under the Sherman Antitrust Act.

• The court recognized that the AMA had engaged in unethical practices that restricted patient freedom of choice and unfairly restrained competition in healthcare.

• The AMA was permanently prohibited from attempting to suppress or boycott chiropractic. Why This Was a Big Win

  • Legitimacy: The ruling validated chiropractic as a recognized healthcare profession in the United States.

  • Collaboration: The decision opened the door for more cooperation between chiropractors and medical doctors.

  • Patient Choice: Patients gained greater freedom to choose chiropractic care without stigma or medical discrimination.

  • Growth: Following the ruling, chiropractic practices grew significantly, and research expanded, solidifying the field’s role in mainstream healthcare. The Wilk vs. AMA trial reshaped the healthcare landscape. It ensured chiropractic care would no longer be silenced or discredited by organized medicine, and it gave patients the right to seek natural, non-invasive care options. This case wasn't just about chiropractors. It was also about the protection of patient choice and fairness in the healthcare system. Thanks to the courage of a few brave chiropractors who were not at all afraid to stand up for what they felt was right, chiropractic is here to stay.