chiropractor

American  

[kahy-ruh-prak-ter] / ˈkaɪ rəˌpræk tər /

noun

• chiropractors
  plural

1. one whose occupation is the practice of chiropractic.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• chiropractors
  plural

Etymology

Origin of chiropractor

First recorded in 1900–05; chiropract(ic) + -or ², as if a Latin noun with -tor

Explanation

Got an aching back? You might want to visit a chiropractor, a health care provider who specializes in the alignment of the spine. Chiropractors, though they provide health care, are not medical doctors; they are licensed by the state and have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Many people consider chiropractic care to be pseudoscience, since its effectiveness hasn't been scientifically confirmed. Others believe it's useful alternative medicine. The word chiropractor has roots meaning "hand" and "practical," or "done by hand." A chiropractor treats patients in part by physically manipulating their spines.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chiropractor chiropractors

Finn McGeachan, 21, is studying to be a chiropractor at the University of South Wales in Cardiff.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

McAfee has professed the benefits of unpasteurized milk in public libraries and chiropractor offices.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

Ardis, who typically goes by Dr. Bryan Ardis, though he does not have a medical degree, is a chiropractor with a doctorate of chiropractic from Parker University in Texas.

From Salon ● Jan. 9, 2026

When the 55-year-old New Jersey chiropractor looks at his current balance, he is stupefied.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2025

Alma was angered, whispering into his ear, “I’m gonna need a chiropractor after this.”

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

So, I was just having chiropractors every day.

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026

The healthcare professional category was a broad one: It included doctors, nurses, dietitians, social workers, chiropractors and massage therapists, among other jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

I’ve been recommended by so many chiropractors and masseuses like, “You should probably do Pilates.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2024

For the chiropractors, they are valuable marketing, helping to build business.

From New York Times ● Jun. 19, 2024

Bullhead’s distinguishing civic feature is the Mohave Valley Highway, four lanes of asphalt lined with gas stations and fast-food franchises, chiropractors and video shops, auto-parts outlets and tourist traps.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer