chiropractor

Meaning

1. 1nouncountablemedical

   A trained practitioner who treats back, neck and joint problems by adjusting the spine and other body parts with the hands.

   Grammar: Countable: see a chiropractor; the profession is chiropractic.

   Patterns

   • see a chiropractor
   • a chiropractor for something

   She went to a chiropractor when her lower back pain would not ease.

   The chiropractor adjusted his neck gently and told him to rest.

   A chiropractor must be licensed before treating patients.

Word forms

Common combinations

see a chiropractor

You should see a chiropractor about that stiff neck.

licensed chiropractor

Make sure you visit a licensed chiropractor.

visit a chiropractor

He visits a chiropractor twice a month.

chiropractor's office

The chiropractor's office was full of posters about the spine.

consult a chiropractor

Consult a chiropractor before starting a new treatment plan.

Synonyms and how they differ

osteopath

An osteopath also treats the body by hand but takes a broader approach to health, while a chiropractor focuses mostly on the spine.

physiotherapist

A physiotherapist uses exercise and rehabilitation to restore movement, rather than mainly adjusting the spine like a chiropractor.

back specialist

Back specialist is a loose everyday phrase that could mean a surgeon or doctor, while chiropractor names a specific profession.

masseur

A masseur rubs muscles for relaxation or relief, while a chiropractor adjusts joints.

Word family

chiropractic noun

the system of treatment itself, also used as an adjective

chiropractors noun

plural, as in a group of chiropractors

Commonly confused: chiropractor or chiropodist?

Practice

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