A chiropractor is a health practitioner who focuses mainly on diagnosing and treating problems with the spine, muscles, and joints, often by adjusting or manipulating them by hand. Many patients see chiropractors for back and neck pain.
“Chiropractor” comes from Greek “cheir,” meaning “hand,” and “praktikos,” meaning “practical” or “concerned with action.” It literally means someone who practices treatment with their hands.
The “chiro” in chiropractor is the same “hand” you see in words like “chiral” in chemistry. Early chiropractic claimed that spinal alignment could affect almost all health, a bold idea that sparked both popularity and controversy. Modern chiropractors range from spine-focused therapists to broader wellness practitioners.
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