chiropractic

American  

[kahy-ruh-prak-tik] / ˌkaɪ rəˈpræk tɪk /

noun

1. a therapeutic system based primarily upon the interactions of the spine and nervous system, the method of treatment usually being to adjust the segments of the spinal column.

2. a chiropractor.

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chiropractic British  

/ ˌkaɪrəˈpræktɪk /

noun

1. a system of treating bodily disorders by manipulation of the spine and other parts, based on the belief that the cause is the abnormal functioning of a nerve

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chiropractic Cultural  

1. A system of treating disease and musculoskeletal disorders that involves manipulation of the backbone and other body parts. In chiropractic, disorders of the nerves are considered the cause of illness.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• chiropractor
  noun

Etymology

Origin of chiropractic

1895–1900, chiro- + -practic < Greek praktikós; see practical

Example Sentences

UnitedHealthcare will stop requiring signoffs for tests including echocardiograms, some chiropractic care and certain outpatient surgeries.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The outdoor sessions take place every first Sunday at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area and feature free chiropractic adjustments and healthy food vendors.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Theoretically, Saver said, medical and chiropractic boards are supposed to ensure that practitioners do not practice outside their area of expertise and training.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2026

In the UK, apart from chiropractic, there is no professional statutory regulation of the complementary and alternative medicine sector.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2024

Peter Tatakis closed his chiropractic office early one day and drove in from Birmingham to have dinner with Milt and Tessie.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides