Chiropractic - [ki"ro-prak'tik] means "done by hand." Chiropractic is a physical medicine concentrating on improving function and balance to the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems. This involves examining, diagnosing and treating injured, dysfunctional, imbalanced, degenerative tissues and joints.  It is a branch of health care that concentrates on naturally balancing and optimizing the function of the body in order to promote and maintain health. At the foundation of chiropractic philosophy is that the body has the ability to heal itself, provided the organ systems function optimally. The primary treatment administered by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, also known as an adjustment. Most chiropractors prescribe exercises, stretches and lifestyle modifications to maintain optimal health. Some also provide nutritional counseling.