Definition: Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Practitioners, known as chiropractors, employ manual spinal manipulation and other techniques to treat issues related to nerves, muscles, and joints, with an emphasis on the body’s ability to heal itself.
Etymology and Origin: The term ‘chiropractic’ comes from the Greek words ‘cheir’ (χείρ), meaning ‘hand’, and ‘praktikos’ (πρακτικός), meaning ‘concerned with action’ or ‘practical’. It was coined by Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, in the 1890s. Palmer combined these Greek roots to reflect the practice of treating with the hands, emphasizing manual adjustments and manipulations.
