Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints and muscles), and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.
Chiropractors have a specialist interest in neck and back pain but when they assess their patient they take their entire physical, emotional and social well-being into account.
Chiropractors use a range of techniques to reduce pain, improve function and increase mobility, with an emphasis on hands-on manipulation of the spine.
They may also offer advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle, and rehabilitation programmes that involve exercises to do in your own time. Some chiropractors may also offer other treatments, such as acupuncture.
All chiropractors in the UK are regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
Chiropractors are required to renew their registration each year and as part of this process, the GCC checks that chiropractors have current professional indemnity insurance, remain in good health and of good character, and have met mandatory continuing professional development
Chiropractors’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pains, headaches caused by neck problems, and prevention of migraine and conditions arising from sports injury.
There are many different approaches and techniques used by chiropractors, because of this the treatment approach taken by one chiropractor might be significantly different from that of another. However, all chiropractors will need to take a patient history and receive your informed consent before treatment.
Research
We often take part in research trials and we may from time to time ask you to fill in questionnaires about your problem and your treatment progress. We appreciate that you may not wish to take part and this is entirely voluntary.
Referral
If we feel your problem is not suitable for chiropractic treatment or we need further investigations, we will liaise with your GP and other health care providers, as long as you give us your permission to do so.
