Chiropractic is an alternative medical approach that was founded in the USA in 1895 by DD Palmer. It focuses primarily on the body's nervous, muscular and skeletal systems, seeking to address mechanical dysfunctions through various manual therapeutic techniques. While based on philosophies beyond the boundaries of conventional medicine, chiropractic is practiced in more than 100 countries around the world.

Chiropractic treatment typically involves the practitioner manipulating muscles, joints and soft tissues of the patient. Some emphasis is placed on the spine and the belief that disorders associated with it can have a dramatic effect on the nervous system and bring about a variety of complaints in different parts of the body. More modern theories have concentrated on the relationship between structure and function and its subsequent effect on the body's neurological mechanisms.

As one of the better-established disciplines of alternative medicine, chiropractic is also one of the better regulated, with recognized certificates and qualifications available in a number of countries. In the US, chiropractic is the largest alternative medical profession with some 70,000 practitioners in operation. Numbers are also significant in the UK and Australia with approximately 2,381 and 2,500 chiropractors operating in these countries respectively.

The most common therapy in chiropractic is spinal manipulation; however, there are a variety of other treatments frequently used including: ice pack/cryotherapy, trigger point therapy, corrective or therapeutic exercise and extremity adjusting.

Practitioners in the chiropractic industry remain divided over certain chiropractic philosophies. Traditionalist chiropractors adhere rigidly to the principles established by the founder of the original movement while other practitioners offer treatment based on a combination of chiropractic, conventional medical, osteopathic and naturopathic principles.