chiropracty

chiropracty

see chiropractic.

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chiropractic, chiropracty

a system of treating disease by manipulation of the vertebral column. Chiropractic is based on the theory that most diseases are caused by pressure on the nerves because of faulty alignment of the bones, especially the vertebrae, and that the nerves are thus prevented from transmitting to various organs of the body the neural impulses for proper functioning. Medical science has never found a scientific basis for this theory. Veterinary science has a small number of persons, sometimes without any formal training or qualifications, who practice this art.

Acting on the theory that the pinching of nerves is the critical factor in the pathogenesis of disease, the chiropractor manipulates various parts of the spine in treating the complaint. If the patient is suffering from a displaced vertebra, the manipulation may bring relief. If they have some other disorder or disease, however, manipulation will have little if any effect.