Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

chimera 1
An imaginary monster made up of
incongruous parts.
2
In medicine, a person com-
posed of two genetically distinct types of cells. This
may be due to the fusion of two embryos at a very
early (blastula) stage. More commonly today, the
formation of a chimera is due to transplantation,
such as when bone marrow from one person is
used to reconstitute the bone marrow of an irradi-
ated recipient.
3
A viral, bacterial, or other cell
that seems to be composed of two genetically dis-
tinct strains, as might be seen when genetic engi-
neering techniques are used to enclose therapeutic
properties from one cell in another type of cell for
delivery.
chiropractic
A system of diagnosis and treatment
based on the concept that the nervous system coor-
dinates all of the body’s functions and that disease
results from a lack of normal nerve function.
Chiropractic employs manipulation and adjustment
of body structures, such as the spinal column, so
that pressure on nerves coming from the spinal
cord due to displacement (subluxation) of a verte-
bral body may be relieved. Practitioners believe that
misalignment and nerve pressure can cause prob-
lems not only in the local area, but also at some dis-
tance from it. Chiropractic treatment appears to be
effective for muscle spasms of the back and neck,
tension headaches, and certain leg pain. It may or
may not be useful for other ailments. Some chiro-
practors also recommend other forms of treatment,
such as massage, diet changes, vitamins and miner-
als, and herbal supplements. See also 
chiropractor.
chiropractor
A chiropractic practitioner.
Becoming a doctor of chiropractic (DC) requires a
minimum of 2 years of college and 4 years in a
school of chiropractic medicine. Some chiroprac-
tors also earn a traditional medical degree (MD) or
other additional qualifications. Not all chiropractors
are alike in their practice. The International
Chiropractors Association believes that patients
should be treated by spinal manipulation alone,
whereas the American Chiropractic Association
advocates a multidisciplinary approach that com-
bines spinal adjustment with other modalities, such
as physical therapy, psychological counseling, and
dietary measures.