指压治疗师通常会运用不同的方法来调整脊柱, 但指压治疗的基本原理是重新排列脊柱解剖，来减轻病变对脊神经的压迫, 这有助于恢复全身正常的神经功能。同样地,指压治疗师相信身体“排列适当”更可能使身体处于自然平衡的状态, 病人将经历更少疼痛和残疾。许多指压治疗师现今还配备电刺激、透热疗法、超声波和多种其它疗法,但最主要的仍然还是用手按压来达到正常的解剖关系。

Chiropractors frequently have different methods of making spinal adjustment, but the basic theory behind the success of chiropractic treatment is that realigning the spine relieves pressure on the spinal nerves, which can help to restore natural nerve function throughout the body. As such, chiropractors believe that a "well-aligned" body is more likely to be in a state of natural balance and the patient will experience less pain and disability. Many chiropractors today have incorporated electrical stimulation, diathermy, ultrasound, and a variety of other therapies, but the mainstay remains manual spinal manipulation or adjustment.

What should you expect when visiting a chiropractor?
When you visit a chiropractor for the first time, you will probably be asked for a general medical history and also asked to complete a questionnaire about the type of neck pain that you are experiencing. A hands-on examination typically will be performed, which involves moving your neck and limbs around to determine your limitations. Sometimes the chiropractor will takeX-rays of your back to determine which vertebrae are misaligned. The diagnosis and treatment of vertebral subluxations is one of the sticking points between medical doctors and chiropractors, since there is often some disagreement between these two groups about what constitutes a spine that is out of alignment. The final treatment phase of a visit to a chiropractor typically involves manipulation of the spine in an attempt to correct subluxations and misalignments. Some chiropractors also use vitamins, massage, and electrical therapies as part of their treatment.