Which practitioner specializes in the alignment of the spine?

The specialization in the alignment of the spine is the primary focus of chiropractors. Chiropractic care primarily involves diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly concerning the spine. Chiropractors are trained to perform spinal adjustments and manipulations to correct misalignments, relieve pain, improve function, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Their approach often emphasizes the relationship between the spine and the nervous system.

While physical therapists do work on improving movement and function, they usually focus on rehabilitation and therapy post-injury or surgery and do not specialize in spinal alignment specifically. Orthopedic surgeons treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including those related to the spine, but they typically do so through surgical means rather than alignment techniques. Massage therapists help to relieve tension in muscles and improve circulation but do not specifically focus on spinal alignment as chiropractors do. Therefore, chiropractors are the practitioners best known for specializing in spinal alignment.