chiropractic
A system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column.
It focuses on the relationship between the body's structure (mainly the spine) and its function (as coordinated by the nervous system).
Word relationships
- spinal manipulation: Spinal manipulation is the technical action performed; chiropractic is the entire profession and philosophy.
Commonly confused with
- osteopathy: Both involve manipulation, but osteopathy has a broader focus on the whole body's circulatory and lymphatic systems, while chiropractic focuses more on the spine and nerves.
Word family
- chiropractor (noun): A practitioner of chiropractic.
Collocations
- chiropractic adjustment
- chiropractic care
- chiropractic treatment
- chiropractic clinic
Example sentences
- "Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on the spine and other joints of the body, and their connection to the nervous system." Describing the practice.
- "After the car accident, she visited a chiropractic clinic to help realign her neck and back." A patient's experience.
Memory hook
CHIRO-practic: Think of a 'Chiro-grapher' (someone who writes by hand). It's healing done by HAND. Done by hand.
When not to use
Don't use it to describe general massage; chiropractic involves specific 'adjustments' or 'manipulations' of the bones.
Fun facts
- The first chiropractic adjustment was performed on a janitor who had lost his hearing after a 'pop' in his back; Palmer claimed the adjustment restored the man's hearing.
Related words
Explore more words
physiotherapy, orthopedics, musculoskeletal, complementary, Neuroscience, biomechanics
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.