North Carolina Chiropractic Assistant Level I
Clinical Examination Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Who is credited as the founder of chiropractic?
A. Dr. James Herring
B. Dr. B.J. Palmer
C. Dr. Daniel David Palmer
D. Dr. John F. Kennedy
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Dr. Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer performed the first chiropractic
adjustment in 1895 and is recognized as the founder of chiropractic. His son, B.J.
Palmer, is considered the "Developer of Chiropractic."
2. What is the primary philosophical principle behind chiropractic care?
A. Disease is caused solely by pathogens.
B. Misalignments of the spine (vertebral subluxations) interfere with nervous
system function.
C. Medication is the primary treatment for musculoskeletal issues.
D. Surgery is the first line of intervention.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The central tenet of chiropractic philosophy is that spinal
misalignments (subluxations) disrupt nerve flow, impacting overall health, and that
correcting these misalignments restores bodily function.
3. What is the literal meaning of the term "chiropractic"?
A. "Spinal Health"
B. "Done by Hand"
C. "Nerve Flow"
D. "Joint Alignment"
,Correct answer: B
Rationale: The word "chiropractic" is derived from the Greek words cheir (hand)
and praxis (practice or done), meaning "done by hand."
4. How is a "chiropractic adjustment" best defined?
A. A surgical procedure to fuse vertebrae.
B. A massage technique for soft tissue.
C. The restoration of spinal function using the hands or other instrument.
D. An electrical stimulation of the muscles.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled therapeutic force
applied to a joint to restore proper function, reduce nerve interference, and allow
the body to maintain homeostasis.
5. What does "subluxation" refer to in chiropractic terminology?
A. A complete dislocation of a joint.
B. A spinal misalignment that may cause abnormal function and nerve
interference.
C. A fracture of the vertebral body.
D. The wearing down of intervertebral discs.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A subluxation is less than a full dislocation. It is a misaligned or fixated
vertebra that leads to aberrant function and nerve irritation.
6. What does "homeostasis" mean in the context of chiropractic care?
A. The study of the body's structure.
B. A state of equilibrium or steady state within the body.
C. The process of diagnosing a disease.
D. A type of therapeutic ultrasound.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal
environment. Chiropractic care aims to remove nerve interference, allowing the
body to better regulate itself.
7. What is the primary focus of the "Palmer" technique in chiropractic?
A. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
B. A full-spine analysis and specific adjustment based on leg length checks.
,C. Craniosacral therapy.
D. The use of activator tools exclusively.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The Palmer method, particularly associated with B.J. Palmer,
emphasizes a "hole-in-one" specific adjustment based on analysis including leg
length checks and spinal x-rays.
8. What is "physiology"?
A. The study of the body's structure.
B. The study of the body's function.
C. The study of cells and tissues.
D. The study of disease.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Physiology is the branch of biology that deals with the normal
functions of living organisms and their parts.
9. What is "anatomy"?
A. The study of the body's structure.
B. The study of the body's function.
C. The study of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
D. The study of the nervous system.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anatomy is the science concerned with the physical structure of the
human body.
10. What does the term "palpation" refer to?
A. Listening to internal body sounds.
B. Examining the body by touch.
C. Tapping on the body to produce sounds.
D. Measuring range of motion with a goniometer.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Palpation is a hands-on assessment technique used to evaluate texture,
tenderness, muscle tone, and joint position.
11. What is the "Law of the Nerve" as described by D.D. Palmer?
A. The brain controls all organs via blood vessels.
B. The nervous system is the master controller of the body, and interference causes
, disease.
C. Only spinal bones can affect nerves.
D. Chiropractic adjustments work by releasing endorphins.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Palmer’s Law of the Nerve states that the nervous system is the master
system; any interference (subluxation) reduces the body’s innate intelligence and
health.
12. What is "innate intelligence" in chiropractic philosophy?
A. The patient’s IQ.
B. The body’s inborn ability to heal and regulate itself.
C. The chiropractor’s clinical knowledge.
D. A type of nerve conduction study.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Innate intelligence refers to the body’s inherent wisdom to maintain
health and adapt to stress, a core concept in vitalistic chiropractic.
13. Which term describes a complete loss of joint contact?
A. Subluxation
B. Luxation (dislocation)
C. Fixation
D. Hypermobility
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Luxation is a complete dislocation of a joint, whereas subluxation is
partial.
14. What is the "somatovisceral reflex"?
A. A reflex from internal organs to the spine.
B. A reflex from the spine to internal organs.
C. A reflex that bypasses the spinal cord.
D. A reflex that only involves muscles.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A somatovisceral reflex occurs when spinal dysfunction (somatic)
affects organ (visceral) function via nerve pathways.
15. The "viscerosomatic reflex" refers to:
A. Organ dysfunction causing spinal muscle tension.
Clinical Examination Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Who is credited as the founder of chiropractic?
A. Dr. James Herring
B. Dr. B.J. Palmer
C. Dr. Daniel David Palmer
D. Dr. John F. Kennedy
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Dr. Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer performed the first chiropractic
adjustment in 1895 and is recognized as the founder of chiropractic. His son, B.J.
Palmer, is considered the "Developer of Chiropractic."
2. What is the primary philosophical principle behind chiropractic care?
A. Disease is caused solely by pathogens.
B. Misalignments of the spine (vertebral subluxations) interfere with nervous
system function.
C. Medication is the primary treatment for musculoskeletal issues.
D. Surgery is the first line of intervention.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The central tenet of chiropractic philosophy is that spinal
misalignments (subluxations) disrupt nerve flow, impacting overall health, and that
correcting these misalignments restores bodily function.
3. What is the literal meaning of the term "chiropractic"?
A. "Spinal Health"
B. "Done by Hand"
C. "Nerve Flow"
D. "Joint Alignment"
,Correct answer: B
Rationale: The word "chiropractic" is derived from the Greek words cheir (hand)
and praxis (practice or done), meaning "done by hand."
4. How is a "chiropractic adjustment" best defined?
A. A surgical procedure to fuse vertebrae.
B. A massage technique for soft tissue.
C. The restoration of spinal function using the hands or other instrument.
D. An electrical stimulation of the muscles.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled therapeutic force
applied to a joint to restore proper function, reduce nerve interference, and allow
the body to maintain homeostasis.
5. What does "subluxation" refer to in chiropractic terminology?
A. A complete dislocation of a joint.
B. A spinal misalignment that may cause abnormal function and nerve
interference.
C. A fracture of the vertebral body.
D. The wearing down of intervertebral discs.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A subluxation is less than a full dislocation. It is a misaligned or fixated
vertebra that leads to aberrant function and nerve irritation.
6. What does "homeostasis" mean in the context of chiropractic care?
A. The study of the body's structure.
B. A state of equilibrium or steady state within the body.
C. The process of diagnosing a disease.
D. A type of therapeutic ultrasound.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal
environment. Chiropractic care aims to remove nerve interference, allowing the
body to better regulate itself.
7. What is the primary focus of the "Palmer" technique in chiropractic?
A. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
B. A full-spine analysis and specific adjustment based on leg length checks.
,C. Craniosacral therapy.
D. The use of activator tools exclusively.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The Palmer method, particularly associated with B.J. Palmer,
emphasizes a "hole-in-one" specific adjustment based on analysis including leg
length checks and spinal x-rays.
8. What is "physiology"?
A. The study of the body's structure.
B. The study of the body's function.
C. The study of cells and tissues.
D. The study of disease.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Physiology is the branch of biology that deals with the normal
functions of living organisms and their parts.
9. What is "anatomy"?
A. The study of the body's structure.
B. The study of the body's function.
C. The study of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
D. The study of the nervous system.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anatomy is the science concerned with the physical structure of the
human body.
10. What does the term "palpation" refer to?
A. Listening to internal body sounds.
B. Examining the body by touch.
C. Tapping on the body to produce sounds.
D. Measuring range of motion with a goniometer.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Palpation is a hands-on assessment technique used to evaluate texture,
tenderness, muscle tone, and joint position.
11. What is the "Law of the Nerve" as described by D.D. Palmer?
A. The brain controls all organs via blood vessels.
B. The nervous system is the master controller of the body, and interference causes
, disease.
C. Only spinal bones can affect nerves.
D. Chiropractic adjustments work by releasing endorphins.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Palmer’s Law of the Nerve states that the nervous system is the master
system; any interference (subluxation) reduces the body’s innate intelligence and
health.
12. What is "innate intelligence" in chiropractic philosophy?
A. The patient’s IQ.
B. The body’s inborn ability to heal and regulate itself.
C. The chiropractor’s clinical knowledge.
D. A type of nerve conduction study.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Innate intelligence refers to the body’s inherent wisdom to maintain
health and adapt to stress, a core concept in vitalistic chiropractic.
13. Which term describes a complete loss of joint contact?
A. Subluxation
B. Luxation (dislocation)
C. Fixation
D. Hypermobility
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Luxation is a complete dislocation of a joint, whereas subluxation is
partial.
14. What is the "somatovisceral reflex"?
A. A reflex from internal organs to the spine.
B. A reflex from the spine to internal organs.
C. A reflex that bypasses the spinal cord.
D. A reflex that only involves muscles.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A somatovisceral reflex occurs when spinal dysfunction (somatic)
affects organ (visceral) function via nerve pathways.
15. The "viscerosomatic reflex" refers to:
A. Organ dysfunction causing spinal muscle tension.
