Definition

Noun: 1. A system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column, which are believed to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs. It is a healthcare profession focused on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.

Usage

Chiropractic is used as a singular, uncountable noun to refer to the entire field or practice. * She decided to study chiropractic after her own positive experience with it. * Chiropractic is often used to treat back and neck pain.

Examples

• Many patients seek chiropractic care for relief from chronic headaches.
• The core principle of chiropractic is that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself.
• He is a licensed practitioner of chiropractic.

Advanced Usage

• Chiropractic adjustment/manipulation: The specific hands-on technique used by chiropractors to apply controlled force to a spinal joint.
  • The chiropractor performed a spinal adjustment.

Variants and Related Words

• Chiropractor (noun): A healthcare professional who practices chiropractic.
  • You should see a chiropractor about that back pain.

Synonyms

• Spinal manipulation
• Manual therapy (in a broad, general sense)

Different Meanings

The word chiropractic refers exclusively to the defined system of treatment. It does not have other common, unrelated meanings.

Noun

1. a method of treatment that manipulates body structures (especially the spine) to relieve low back pain or even headache or high blood pressure