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

• chiropractor
  noun

Etymology

Origin of chiropractic

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chiropractic

Degrees in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, veterinary and chiropractic medicine, law, optometry, osteopathy, podiatry and theology are expressly covered.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 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

She is 31, lives in London and works as chiropractic assistant.

From BBC ● May 17, 2025

West Hollywood’s Remedy Place offers high-end, holistic “social wellness services,” plus chiropractic and biometric testing; Healthspan, a digital medical clinic, aims to help patients fight aging and chronic disease.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2024

My mom is still treating patients in her chiropractic office—she’s known some for years—but in the past couple of weeks, I’ve noticed her coming home early.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed