Chiropractor
/ˌkaɪrəˈpræktər/noun
A healthcare professional who treats musculoskeletal disorders through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine.
Did you know?The term 'chiro' comes from the Greek word for 'hand', hinting at the ancient belief in the healing power of touch!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
χέιρ (cheir)
“hand, emphasizing the importance of manual techniques in healing.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πρακτικός (praktikos)
“practical or active, referring to the hands-on approach of treatment.”
19th Century
English
chiropractic
“Coined by Daniel David Palmer in 1895, meaning 'done by hand'.”
20th Century
English
chiropractor
“Emerges as a term to describe practitioners specializing in spinal manipulation.”
Explore more surprising origins