chiropractic

noun

chi·​ro·​prac·​tic ˈkī-rə-ˌprak-tik 

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

This design is even endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), following a thorough evaluation by a board of doctors of chiropractic and approval by the ACA Board of Governors (though your teens probably don’t want to hear a word about that). —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 13 Aug. 2024

Best of all, its suspension system is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), which means it was thoroughly reviewed, tested, and evaluated by a board of doctors of chiropractic and approved by the ACA Board of Governors. —Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 9 June 2024

Two of his main goals include educating people and normalizing animal chiropractic care. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 8 May 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

chiropractic

noun

chi·​ro·​prac·​tic ˈkī-rə-ˌprak-tik 

: 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

-tər 

noun

Medical Definition

chiropractic

noun

chi·​ro·​prac·​tic ˈkī-rə-ˌprak-tik 

: 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

-tər 

noun