Chiropractors infer a causal relationship between nerve interference or compression at the spine and subsequent problems in more distant body parts or organ systems connected by the nerve. Practitioners of chiropractic are called chiropractors, and in the United States of America they receive the degree Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) and are referred to as "doctor". Chiropractors are licensed in all jurisdictions of the United States and in other countries.

Because chiropractors emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, chiropractic care is appealing to many health-conscious Americans. Chiropractic treatment of the back, neck, extremities, and joints has become more accepted as a result of research and changing attitudes about alternative, noninvasive health care practices.