What Is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractic care is a healthcare profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system and the effects of these disorders on general health. The primary approach to treatment involves manual therapy, especially manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues. However, chiropractors may also offer exercise and health and lifestyle counseling.
The term “chiropractic” comes from the Greek words “cheir” (hand) and “praktos” (done), together meaning “done by hand.” This profession is often associated with the treatment of back and neck pain, but chiropractors treat a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal complaints.
The profession was established by Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian magnetic healer who performed the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895. Chiropractic grew rapidly as a profession but was also mired in controversy and skepticism, particularly from the mainstream medical community. Despite this, chiropractic care has grown widely accepted and is now considered a part of complementary and integrative health approaches.
