What is chiropractic?
The British Chiropractic Association defines chiropractic as:
a primary health-care profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, muscles, 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.
Chiropractors treat the cause of the symptoms not just the pain itself. Various events in our lives, from accidents and injuries to the repetitive stress of poor posture and sedentary lifestyles, can cause the joints within the spine to lose normal function and movement. This interferes with the normal function of the spine and the spinal nerves that pass through the spine, resulting in symptoms such as pain and stiffness. For more information go to How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractors take a holistic approach and assess each person individually in order to determine the most suitable treatment plan. The treatment varies from manipulative techniques to extremely gentle low force techniques depending on the patient's complaint and preference, and may include rehabilitative exercises and advice on lifestyle changes. Patients are free to contact a chiropractor without needing referral from their GP.
For a detailed list of what chiropractic can help with please go to What do we treat?
Qualifications
Chiropractors must study for a minimum of 4 years at an accredited University before qualifying as a chiropractor. After carrying out this high level of training they must register with the General Chiropractic Council, the regulatory body for this profession, before they can practice and this registration must be renewed annually. In order to do this they must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance and comply with the General Chiropractic Council's Code of Practice and Standards of Proficiency which includes undertaking a minimum of 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) every year.
