Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a primary health-care profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the body, particularly those of the spine.
Treatment consists of a wide range of manipulative techniques designed to improve the function of the joints, relieving pain and muscle spasm.
Chiropractic does not involve the use of any drugs or surgery.

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA), founded in 1925, represents over 50% of UK chiropractors. All BCA chiropractors will have undergone a minimum four-year full-time internationally-accredited degree course and are registered with the General Chiropractic Council, the UK's statutory regulator for the profession. The BCA aim to promote, encourage and maintain high standards of conduct, practice, education and training within the profession in the UK.

Chiropractic is a primary health-care profession, so you do not need to be referred by your doctor. A chiropractor is trained to diagnose your problem and will refer you to another health-care practitioner if necessary.

Chiropractors treat problems with joints, bones and muscles, and the effects they have on the nervous system. Working on all the joints of the body, concentrating particularly on the spine, they use their hands to make often gentle, specific adjustments (the chiropractic word for manipulation) to improve the efficiency of the nervous system and release the body's natural healing ability.
Chiropractic does not involve the use of any drugs or surgery.

The effectiveness of chiropractic treatment is supported by research as well as by various UK government and medical organisations. Chiropractic may be available to patients under the umbrella of the NHS, but this will depend on the situation within a specific NHS Primary Care Trust. Otherwise patients see chiropractors in a private capacity either through self referral or as a result of a referral from their GP, other doctor or health professional. BCA chiropractors also treat people who are seeking treatment through private health insurers.