Chiropractic is the study of the spine and the nervous system. It is based on the principle that a healthy functioning spine and nervous system will lead to a healthy body that both functions well and feels good! In addition to undergraduate college studies, chiropractors must complete a five-academic-year doctorate program at an accredited chiropractic college, plus complete board exams and state licensing in order to practice. Chiropractors are the only professionals specially trained to find subluxations (misaligned spinal bones that interfere with nearby nerves) and they "adjust" (re-align) the spine to reduce nerve pressure. Subluxations are found through both xrays and exams, and spinal adjustments can be delivered by hand or instrument.