The BIG Idea — BJ Palmer

When people think of chiropractic care, they often picture spinal adjustments or relief from back pain. But behind chiropractic is a philosophy, a vision of health that extends far beyond just bones and joints. Much of that vision can be traced back to one man: BJ Palmer — the father of modern chiropractic and the mind behind what’s known as the “BIG Idea.”

Who Was BJ Palmer?

Born in 1882 in the United States, Bartlett Joshua Palmer, known as BJ, was the son of Daniel David Palmer, who performed the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895. While his father founded chiropractic, BJ is credited with developing it into a recognised health profession. He was a dynamic speaker, writer, and innovator who believed deeply in the body’s ability to heal itself when free from interference.

BJ Palmer took over his father’s school, the Palmer School of Chiropractic, and expanded its teachings. He introduced new technology, like X-rays, into chiropractic analysis, and travelled the world promoting chiropractic as more than a remedy for pain — but as a way to support the body’s natural intelligence and overall wellbeing. This background helps explain why BJ’s BIG Idea still matters today and shapes how many chiropractors, including Roots Chiropractic, view health and healing.

What Is the BIG Idea?

A slip on the snowy sidewalk, in winter, is a SMALL thing. It happens to millions. A fall from a ladder, in the summer, is a SMALL thing. That also happens to millions. The slip or fall produces a subluxation. The subluxation is a SMALL thing. The subluxation produces pressure on a nerve. That pressure is a SMALL thing. The pressure cuts off the flow of mental impulses.

That decreased flowing is a SMALL thing. That decreased flowing produces a dis-eased body and brain. That is a BIG thing to that man. Multiply that sick man by a thousand, and you control the physical and mental welfare of a city. Multiply that man by a million and you shape the physical and mental destiny of a State. Multiply that man by one hundred thirty million, and you forecast and can prophesy the physical and mental status of a nation.

Now comes a man. Any one man is a SMALL thing. This man gives an adjustment. The adjustment is a SMALL thing. The adjustment replaces the subluxation. That is a SMALL thing. The adjusted subluxation releases pressure upon nerves. That is a SMALL thing. The released pressure restores health to a man. That is a BIG thing to that man.

Multiply that well man by a thousand, and you step up physical and mental welfare of a city. Multiply that well man by a million, and you increase the efficiency of a State. Multiply that well man by one hundred thirty million, and you have produced a healthy, wealthy, and better race for posterity.

So adjustment of the subluxation, to release pressure upon nerves, to restore mental impulse flow, to restore health, is BIG enough to rebuild thoughts and actions of the world.

The idea that knows cause, that can correct cause of dis-ease, is one of the biggest ideas known. Without it, nations fall; with it, nations rise.

The idea is the BIGGEST I know of. ~Dr. B.J. Palmer

A Philosophical Foundation

While the BIG Idea might sound philosophical, it’s also rooted in the biology of how the nervous system works. The spine protects the spinal cord, which carries messages between the brain and body. When misalignments disrupt this communication, it may influence how the body feels and functions — from posture to pain to digestion, mood, and beyond.

We see aspects of Palmer’s BIG Idea come to life every day in our practice. Whether it’s someone looking for relief from headaches after a “minor car accident” 10 years ago or striving to improve posture after long days at a desk in Cape Town’s busy work scene, the principle remains the same: small stressors and microtraumas can have significant impacts on health and quality of life. And small adjustments to the spine to fix the root cause of those microtraumas and small stressors can also dramatically change someone’s life.

The BIG Idea in Cape Town Life

Cape Town is a city full of movement and ambition. From tech start-ups in the CBD to athletes training along Sea Point Promenade, people here push themselves to perform, create, and explore. Yet, the pace of modern life can take a toll on the spine and nervous system — through poor posture, stress, small slips on a sea-watered promenade, or long hours sitting at a desk.

That’s where the BIG Idea becomes so relevant. We all have small things that add up over time and create problems for us individually. When we multiply 1 individual by 10,000 people in the Atlantic Sea Board, that’s a lot of small problems which can influence bigger societal problems and decisions. Our mission is to help Capetonians have a fuller experience of life individually, along with their families, and thus creating happier, healthier communities. 

Our Take on BJ Palmer’s Vision

One of our favourite examples of this is when we see whole families coming for Chiropractic care. Mom comes first, then the kiddos or babies. Finally Dad arrive. Grandparents next. There are times when we are actively taking care of 4 generations of people in the same family!!

As a final example: Dad’s low back pain which he’s been quietly dealing with for years finally gets fixed, so he’s not as grumpy or short with his kids. As a result, the kids aren’t acting out as much so mom feels more relaxed when grandparents are around. Grandparents notice mom being more relaxed and enjoy their time freely playing with their grandkids, without worry of immobility or pain when trying to pick them up.      That’s our BIG IDEA.

We share this BIG IDEA through a modern, neurologically-based Chiropractic approach. We believe in empowering Capetonians to take charge of their health, one small step — and one gentle adjustment — at a time.

So the next time you have a small thing happen to you, think about how all the small things add up over time. Seek to get the small things sorted sooner rather than later so that you can live pain free, be empowered in your lifestyle, fully enjoy your time with your loved ones, and thankfully live in the present with the community you’ve chosen to be part of.