chiropractic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Professional/Technical
Quick answer
What does “chiropractic” mean?
a system of therapy focused on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, through manual adjustment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a system of therapy focused on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, through manual adjustment.
The profession, philosophy, and clinical practice concerned with restoring and maintaining health through spinal manipulation and other manual treatments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The profession is regulated differently (e.g., by the General Chiropractic Council in the UK vs. state licensing boards in the US). In the UK, it is often viewed more as complementary/alternative medicine, while in the US it is more integrated into some mainstream healthcare networks.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations range from 'legitimate healthcare profession' to 'pseudoscientific alternative therapy,' depending on the speaker's viewpoint. Slightly more mainstream acceptance in the US.
Frequency
The word is more frequently encountered in everyday conversation in the US, where chiropractors are more numerous and heavily advertised.
Grammar
How to Use “chiropractic” in a Sentence
N (uncountable)Adj + N (chiropractic treatment)N + of (the art of chiropractic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chiropractic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The therapist does not chiropractic; he practises chiropractic.
American English
- You can't just chiropractic a problem away; it requires a licensed practitioner.
adjective
British English
- She sought chiropractic advice for her chronic pain.
American English
- His chiropractic office is on Main Street.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the industry, clinics, and insurance coverage.
Academic
Discussed in health science, sports medicine, and complementary medicine journals.
Everyday
Used when discussing back pain, healthcare options, or personal treatments.
Technical
Describes specific techniques like HVLA (high-velocity low-amplitude) thrust.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chiropractic”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chiropractic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chiropractic”
- Pronouncing it as 'chi-ro-PRAC-tic' (stress on second syllable). Incorrect: 'He went to a chiropractic.' (Should be 'He went to a chiropractor.' or 'He received chiropractic.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession in many countries, but its scientific basis and efficacy for conditions beyond musculoskeletal pain are debated within the broader medical community.
Chiropractors primarily use spinal manipulation/adjustments, focusing on the relationship between structure (mainly spine) and function. Physiotherapists use a wider range of techniques like exercise, massage, and electrotherapy to rehabilitate movement and function.
Treatments can cause momentary discomfort or a popping sensation, but are generally not described as painful. Some soreness may follow initial treatments.
This depends on your country and health insurance. In many places like the US and UK, you can see a chiropractor directly without a GP referral (direct access), but some insurance plans may require one for coverage.
a system of therapy focused on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, through manual adjustment.
Chiropractic is usually professional/technical in register.
Chiropractic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkaɪ.rəʊˈpræk.tɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkaɪ.roʊˈpræk.tɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get your back cracked (slang, informal reference to chiropractic adjustment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHIRO' (hand, as in chiromancy) + 'PRACTIC' (practice) = 'practice with hands'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE (subluxations are misalignments needing mechanical adjustment).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of chiropractic?