Wilk vs AMA: Chiropractic’s Fight for Legitimacy
The Wilk vs AMA Case
The Wilk vs AMA CaseIn 1976, Dr. Chester Wilk and four other chiropractors filed an antitrust lawsuit against the American Medical Association (AMA). They claimed the AMA had conspired to “contain and eliminate” the chiropractic profession by preventing collaboration with medical doctors.
After over a decade in court, a 1987 ruling found the AMA had violated antitrust laws. The decision opened the door for greater cooperation, referrals, and legitimacy for chiropractic within U.S. healthcare.
Why it mattered
Why it mattered- Removed restrictions that blocked MDs from working with chiropractors
- Accelerated state licensure and professional recognition
- Opened insurance, hospital, and research opportunities
Chiropractic’s continued press toward relevance built on earlier history: Week 1: The First Chiropractic Adjustment and Week 2: B.J. Palmer the Developer of Chiropractic.
Office Update
Office UpdateOur office will be on vacation from September 22–26, 2025. There will be no newsletter next week. We’ll be back the following week to continue our Chiropractic Awareness Month series.
Share Chiropractic
Share ChiropracticKnow someone who is suffering? Refer them to our office, and your next visit is on us — our way of saying thanks.
Looking Ahead: Next Newsletter
When we return after vacation, we’ll share how chiropractic has grown in the modern era, including research on back pain, headaches, and everyday wellness.
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