Chiropractic 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.
- What is chiropractic
- Who provides chiropractic?
- What is the evidence for chiropractic?
- What can I expect?
- Where to get chiropractic?
- More information
What is chiropractic?
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, chiropractors 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.
Manipulation is a type of manual therapy that can also be provided by osteopaths and physiotherapists. For this reason, people often talk about ‘manual therapy’, irrespective if this is provided by chiropractors, osteopaths or physiotherapists. Manual therapy may also include massage and mobilisation
Who provides chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is provided by chiropractors. Some chiropractors work in the NHS in primary care while others work privately. In the UK, chiropractors have to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). You can find out on the GCC website if your chiropractor is registered: http://www.gcc-uk.org/page.cfm
Manual therapy can also be provided by osteopaths and physiotherapists.
What is the evidence for chiropractic?
Most research in this area has looked at ‘manual therapy’ irrespective if this is provided by chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists or other adequately trained professionals.
There is good evidence that manual therapy, including the chiropractic care provided by chiropractors, can be effective for the relief of low back pain that has lasted for a number of weeks. It can be especially effective if combined with some exercises and the general advice to stay active.
Chiropractic may be less suitable for people with severe osteoporosis, malignant spinal disease and certain blood conditions. Your chiropractor should discuss the contra-indications with you before starting treatment.
What can I expect?
A first session with a chiropractor is often spent on taking your medical case history, an examination and conducting tests (which may include an X-ray) in order to diagnose your condition. The chiropractor will also check for signs of any serious underlying disorder for which you would need to be referred to your GP or hospital.
Chiropractors use various different manipulative techniques and other treatment types depending on the individual patient’s needs. Chiropractors also provide advice and assistance in rehabilitation to help prevent problems from re-occurring. Chiropractic ‘adjustments’ to the spinal joints help to release them and regain normal function and movement. Don’t worry if you hear a clicking or popping noise when one of your joints is being adjusted – this is perfectly normal and is simply tiny gas bubbles of nitrogen being formed in the liquid between the joints. After treatment you may feel more energetic. However, some people feel a temporary increase in discomfort, stiffness or tiredness for a day or so.
As with all treatments, if you don’t experience an improvement after a number of weeks, you should discuss alternatives with your chiropractor or other healthcare provider.
Where to get chiropractic?
In some Primary Care Trusts you can access chiropractic via the NHS. Your GP will be able to tell you if chiropractic is available in your area. Your GP may also refer you to an osteopath or physiotherapist, if chiropractic is not available in your area.
Many chiropractors, similar to osteopaths, work privately. To find a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist in your area, please search BackCare’s database of Professional Members.
More information
www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk British Chiropractic Association (the professional body for chiropractors in Britain)
www.gcc-uk.org General Chiropractic Council (the regulatory body for chiropractors in the UK)
www.sca-chiropractic.org Scottish Chiropractic Association (the professional body for chiropractors in Scotland)
www.mctimoneychiropractic.org McTimoney Chiropractic Association (Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8DJ Tel : 01491 829494)