chiropractor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in healthcare, medical, and everyday wellness contexts.
Quick answer
What does “chiropractor” mean?
A healthcare professional who treats musculoskeletal disorders, particularly back and neck pain, primarily through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A healthcare professional who treats musculoskeletal disorders, particularly back and neck pain, primarily through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine.
A practitioner of chiropractic, an alternative medical system focused on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the belief that these affect general health via the nervous system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The professional title and scope of practice are legally defined similarly in both regions.
Connotations
Generally neutral in both varieties. May carry slightly alternative or complementary medicine connotations compared to mainstream medical doctors.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to the higher number of practitioners per capita in the US, but the word is well-established in both.
Grammar
How to Use “chiropractor” in a Sentence
The chiropractor recommended weekly sessions.She was treated by a chiropractor for her sciatica.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chiropractor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The profession is to chiropract (rare).
American English
- He decided to chiropract (very rare, non-standard).
adverb
British English
- The treatment was performed chiropractically (very rare).
American English
- He was treated chiropractically (very rare).
adjective
British English
- She sought chiropractic care for her chronic pain.
American English
- The chiropractic adjustment provided immediate relief.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a type of private healthcare practice; e.g., 'He runs a successful chiropractic clinic.'
Academic
Used in discussions of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), healthcare systems, or musculoskeletal research.
Everyday
Common when discussing back pain, alternative treatments, or personal healthcare; e.g., 'My chiropractor really helped my posture.'
Technical
Precise term within chiropractic literature, referring to a professional with specific training and licensure in chiropractic techniques.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chiropractor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chiropractor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chiropractor”
- Misspelling: 'chiropracter' (correct: chiropractor). Confusing with 'physiotherapist' or 'osteopath'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many countries, chiropractors hold the professional title 'Doctor of Chiropractic' (DC) and are licensed healthcare providers, but they are not medical doctors (MDs).
Chiropractors focus primarily on spinal adjustment/manipulation to influence the nervous system. Physiotherapists use a wider range of techniques (exercise, electrotherapy, massage) to rehabilitate movement and function.
In many places, like the US and UK, you can see a chiropractor directly without a doctor's referral, but some insurance plans may require one for coverage.
When performed by a trained, licensed professional, it is generally considered safe for common musculoskeletal issues. However, as with any treatment, there are potential risks, which should be discussed with the practitioner.
A healthcare professional who treats musculoskeletal disorders, particularly back and neck pain, primarily through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine.
Chiropractor is usually neutral to formal; common in healthcare, medical, and everyday wellness contexts. in register.
Chiropractor: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌɪ.rəʊˌprak.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaɪ.roʊˌpræk.tɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The word itself is professional terminology.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHIRO' (hand, as in 'chiromancy' or palm reading) + 'PRACTOR' (like 'practitioner'). A chiropractor is a practitioner who works with their hands.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY AS A MACHINE (that can be adjusted/aligned). THE SPINE AS A CENTRAL CONTROL SYSTEM.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of a chiropractor's treatment?