Chiropractic care, as defined by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous systems) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractic can promote bone and joint health by reducing pain especially in the lower back.

Spinal manipulation (like that used by chiropractors in chiropractic medicine) is not a new or recent concept in bone and joint health. Records show that manipulation of the spine can be traced back to the time of Hypocrites. However the chiropractic care system was formally established in the late 19th century.

Chiropractic is considered particularly valuable for relief of acute (temporary) pain in the lower back. In 1994, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) released its Guidelines on Acute Low Back Problems in Adults and identified manipulation (defined as certain specific techniques used to re-align or re-adjust a joint) as the preferred method of treatment for relief of acute back pain. 94% of spinal manipulations are performed by chiropractors

In many cases, chiropractic can also ease pain in areas such as the mid-back, neck, or joints.

Although the back is the primary focus of chiropractic, the technique can be applied to any muscle or joint in the body. Techniques vary among practitioners. Typically, after preparation and proper positioning, the chiropractor creates tension around the offending joint, then applies pressure to return it to its proper position. A popping sound is often heard. The noise is similar to the one you hear when cracking your knuckles. It results from the sudden release of built-up pressure in the joint, and is generally painless. As the joint snaps into place, pain is relieved and proper function is restored. Other techniques you may encounter include soft tissue manipulation, trigger-point manipulation, or deep tissue massage. More than two-thirds of chiropractors also prescribe exercise, nutritional counseling, and physiotherapy.

On average, a treatment course lasts for 3-4 weeks. The first visit is usually longer and lasts for an hour. Subsequent visits are much shorter and range for 15-30 mins.

Chiropractic care is not recommended for osteoporosis, bone or joint infections, bone cancer, acute rheumatoid arthritis, and diseases of the spinal chord or bone marrow.