The American Academy of Spine Physicians (formerly the American Association of Spine Physicians) was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1995 as an organization committed to providing an interdisciplinary forum for chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons interested in improving the continuity and quality of spine care.

The potential for communication between the health care disciplines was exemplified by the development of an interdisciplinary organization that was originally known as the Chicago Spine Society, established in 1994. This unique organization was founded by a group of chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons who recognized the benefits of cooperative management for patients with selective spinal disorders.

The organization began with an informal series of monthly meetings focused around case discussions with sharing of clinical experiences and perspectives. As a result of these regular meetings, common goals emerged, and objectives for the Chicago Spine Society were established. The Society physicians recognized that neurosurgeons and doctors of chiropractic have many things to offer one another in the course of cooperative patient management. The neurosurgeons of this organization recognized the role of chiropractic care in returning patients to health. Moreover, chiropractic physicians could openly refer their patients for neurosurgical consultation without prejudice.

As word spread, people became very interested and contacted the group from various areas. It became evident that the Society could no longer remain as a regional organization. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (formerly the American Association of Spine Physicians) has today evolved into a national organization, with members in nearly every state as well as other countries.

On November 5-6, 1995 the AASP hosted their inaugural international symposium. This landmark symposium featured as the honored guest Dr. Manohar Panjabi, preeminent authority on spinal biomechanics, professor at Yale University , and author of the text Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine. The symposium also featured the American Association of Spine Physicians faculty, comprised of chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons, who discussed the role of cooperative care, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic options relating to patients with disorders of the cervical and lumbar spine.

The multidisciplinary Academy council is comprised of physicians bringing together over 200 years of collective experience in the care of patients with spinal disorders. The objectives of the AASP include providing a multidisciplinary platform for continuing education for chiropractors and neurosurgeons. This unparalleled forum helps promote a cooperative approach. Continuing education emphasizes the benefits of cooperative management, the relevance of diagnostic methods, the application of interdisciplinary guidelines for patient care, and a more consistent application of terminology.