About the NYSCA

History

The New York State Chiropractic Association, Inc. (NYSCA) is a statewide professional trade association representing Doctors of Chiropractic across New York. Established in 1970, the organization has played a central role in advancing, protecting, and promoting the chiropractic profession within the state.

Origins and Early Context

The founding of the NYSCA is closely tied to the legal recognition of chiropractic practice in New York. Chiropractic became officially recognized in the state on April 26, 1963, marking a major milestone that allowed licensed practitioners to legally provide chiropractic care. This recognition created the conditions necessary for the formation of a unified professional organization.

Seven years later, in 1970, the New York State Chiropractic Association was formally founded. Its purpose was to bring chiropractors together to advocate for their professional interests, protect practice rights, and promote the advancement of chiropractic care statewide.

Growth and Organizational Development

Originally headquartered in New York City, the association relocated to the Albany area in 1988. This move reflected the organization’s increasing emphasis on legislative advocacy and its desire to maintain a strong presence near state government and policymakers.

In subsequent years, as part of a deliberate effort to operate efficiently and remain fiscally responsible, the association transitioned from a traditional physical office to a virtual office structure. This strategic shift allowed NYSCA to reduce overhead costs while continuing to provide robust member services, advocacy, and administrative operations. The transition reflected the organization’s commitment to responsible stewardship of member resources and adaptability to evolving operational models.

The association is classified as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association and is composed primarily of licensed New York licensed chiropractors. The NYSCA celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1995, coinciding with the global centennial of chiropractic as a profession.

Modern Operations and Collaborative Leadership

In 2024, NYSCA adopted a collaborative leadership model to better serve its members and strengthen organizational oversight. Moving away from a traditional single Executive Director structure, the association now operates under two Executive Vice Presidents: an Executive Vice President of Operations, responsible for administrative, financial, and operational management, and an Executive Vice President of Professional Affairs, overseeing professional development and advocacy. This approach to organizational management emphasizes shared responsibility, open communication, and collaboration among its leaders. The model reflects the association’s belief that diverse perspectives strengthen advocacy efforts and better represent the needs of chiropractors throughout the state.

Today, NYSCA continues to operate as a leading statewide professional association through a modern virtual office model, maintaining a strong focus on advocacy, education, member support, and collaboration with healthcare stakeholders.

handshake of people at business conference

Become a NYSCA Member

Members of the NYSCA are a part of the largest community of practicing Doctors of Chiropractic in New York State. As such, they are able to share with their colleagues in the trials and triumphs of day to day practice.

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A Timeline of Chiropractic History

1895	Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer performs what is traditionally recognized as the first chiropractic adjustment in Davenport, Iowa, marking the birth of chiropractic as a distinct profession. The X-ray is discovered by Wilhelm C. Roentgen.
1897	D.D. Palmer establishes the first chiropractic school, originally called the Palmer School and Cure (later Palmer College of Chiropractic), also in Davenport, Iowa.
1906	The Universal Chiropractors’ Association (UCA) is formed to defend practitioners legally and promote chiropractic as a separate profession.
1910s-1920s	Chiropractors organize professional societies and begin efforts to standardize education and licensure. By 1913, Kansas becomes the first U.S. state to specifically license chiropractic practice, setting the stage for state‑by‑state licensure across the country.
1930s	The Council of State Chiropractic Examining Boards is established to promote unified standards for licensing and examinations across states, helping to professionalize chiropractic regulation.
1963	Chiropractic becomes a licensed profession in New York state. NBCE is chartered. It will give its first exams in 1965.
1970	The New York State Chiropractic Association is founded.
1972	Chiropractic care, specifically spinal manipulation, is first included as a benefit in the Medicare program, increasing access for older adults.
1974	The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body for chiropractic educational programs, ensuring consistent academic and clinical standards.
1974 onward	By this period, all 50 U.S. states and several territories license chiropractors, reflecting full legal recognition of the profession nationwide.
1975	The first interdisciplinary meeting to review the "Research Status of Spinal Manipulative Therapy" is convened by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Diseases and Stroke (NINCDS), marking the beginning of chiropractic research.
1988	The New York State Chiropractic Association moves its headquarters to Albany
1993	Chiropractic services are authorized for inclusion in the U.S. Department of Defense healthcare system, allowing active‑duty military and their families access to chiropractic care at military medical facilities.
1996 onward	The National Institutes of Health (NIH) begins funding chiropractic research, supporting scientific investigation into chiropractic care and its role in musculoskeletal health.
1995	The New York State Chiropractic Association celebrates its 25th anniversary. Chiropractic celebrates its 100th anniversary around the world.
1999	Congress passes legislation authorizing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin providing chiropractic care to American veterans, integrating chiropractic services into the VA healthcare system.
2014	The VA launches a chiropractic residency program, the first of its kind in the United States, emphasizing integrated clinical training alongside other health professionals.
2017	The American College of Physicians updates its clinical guidelines for acute and chronic low back pain to recommend nondrug therapies, including spinal manipulation, as a first‑line approach, reflecting growing acceptance of conservative care models.
2020	The New York State Chiropracic Association celebrates its 50th anniversary. Chiropractors were officially designated as “Essential Service Providers” by the U.S. DHS during the COVID‑19 pandemic, affirming the profession’s role as a vital healthcare resource during a national public health emergency.
2025	The Chiropractic Health Care section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) celebrated 30 years of advocacy for chiropractic’s role in public health, highlighting the profession’s ongoing engagement with public health policy, musculoskeletal care initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration.