Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that studies the relationship between the nervous system and the spine. It focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their effects on health. According to chiropractors, when the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned through trauma or repetitive injury, the range of motion becomes limited and the spinal nerves are compromised. This disruption is what chiropractors call subluxation, which can eventually lead to pain, and a decrease in the quality of life. By eliminating the disruption through the adjustment of the subluxation, the chiropractor aims to restore health.

As the largest alternative medical profession in the United States, chiropractic is closely regulated. To receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Their extensive knowledge of all systems of the body allows them to evaluate and counsel the patient on stress management, injury prevention, and postural correction.

Chiropractic employs manual therapy, including spinal manipulation and other techniques to mobilize, massage, adjust, or stimulate the spine and other tissues. Spinal manipulation is the most common treatment. It is a passive manual maneuver which attempts to increase a joint's range of motion. Although most popular among patients with lower-back pain, chiropractic care also provides benefits to patients with asthma, dizziness, and headaches. The effectiveness of chiropractic treatment depends on the medical condition and the type of treatment.