A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who treats problems with the body's bones, joints, and muscles, especially the spine. The word comes from Greek roots meaning “done by hand,” and that's exactly how chiropractors work: they use their hands to adjust and manipulate the spine and other joints.

When you visit a chiropractor, they might press, twist, or gently move parts of your spine to help with back pain, neck pain, or headaches. Many people see chiropractors when their back hurts from poor posture, sports injuries, or sitting too long at a desk. A chiropractor might also give advice about exercise, stretching, and how to sit or stand in ways that keep your spine healthy.

Chiropractors go through years of specialized training and must be licensed to practice. They're trained to understand how the spine and nervous system work together, since the spinal cord carries signals between your brain and the rest of your body. While chiropractors can't prescribe medicine or perform surgery like medical doctors, they focus on helping the body heal itself through adjustments and proper alignment.

Some people visit a chiropractor regularly to help manage ongoing discomfort, while others go only when something hurts.