chiropractic

noun

chi·​ro·​prac·​tic ˈkī-rə-ˌprak-tik How to pronounce chiropractic (audio)
ˌkī-rə-ˈprak-
: a system of noninvasive therapy which holds that certain musculoskeletal disorders result from nervous system dysfunction arising from misalignment of the spine and joints and that focuses treatment especially on the manual adjustment or manipulation of the spinal vertebrae
Some mainstream doctors may view it as a fringe treatment, but chiropractic is more commonly covered by insurance than any other type of alternative care.Elizabeth R. Agnvall
chiropractic adjective
Chiropractic treatment involves manual spinal adjustments to unblock the flow of energy and blood to the nervous system; it can also include nutritional counseling and stress management. Corynne Corbett

Examples of chiropractic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Having found a passion for helping others through chiropractic and acupuncture care, Hanley will graduate with a doctorate in Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University in April. Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2024 However, chiropractic can mitigate chronic pain in patients’ backs, necks, and shoulders, Hightower says. Lauren Larson, Men's Health, 25 July 2023 Because of this, these mattresses provide even support all along your spine, says Steve Knauf, DC, executive director of chiropractic and compliance for The Joint Chiropractic. Isabella Ubaldi, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2023 On her website, Miranda describes herself as having over 20 years experience in the field of chiropractic and rehabilitation. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 23 Feb. 2023 Many practitioners dismissed the role of contagious pathogens and adhered to the founding principle of chiropractic that all disease originated in the spine. Sean B. Carroll, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2020 Regular checkups, chiropractic procedures and physical therapy will be among the procedures allowed. Faith Karimi and Steve Almasy, CNN, 16 Apr. 2020 But like many complementary and alternative therapies, chiropractic care has its share of controversy, with people some people calling it bunk at best, and dangerous at worst. Mirel Zaman, refinery29.com, 6 Apr. 2020 The therapy is used for a wide range of patient conditions, including physical therapy, orthopedics, outpatient clinics and chiropractic offices, as well as athletes at hundreds of high schools, colleges and professional sports teams worldwide. Roxanne Washington, cleveland, 11 Mar. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chiropractic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

chir- + Greek praktikos practical, operative — more at practical

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chiropractic was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near chiropractic

Cite this Entry

“Chiropractic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chiropractic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chiropractic

noun
chi·​ro·​prac·​tic ˈkī-rə-ˌprak-tik How to pronounce chiropractic (audio)
: a system of therapy that mostly involves realignment of the spinal column especially by touching or pressing the hands on the back near the spinal column
chiropractic adjective
chiropractor noun

Medical Definition

chiropractic

noun
chi·​ro·​prac·​tic ˈkī-rə-ˌprak-tik How to pronounce chiropractic (audio)
: a system of therapy which holds that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function and which employs manipulation and specific adjustment of body structures (as the spinal column)
chiropractic adjective
chiropractor noun

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