What is Chiropractic?

In the simplest terms, Chiropractic is a licence to treat patients who are in pain or who want to change some aspect of their physical wellbeing. Just like with doctors, dentists and osteopaths, the UK government provides the licence via our regulator, the General Chiropractic Council.

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There is no upper or lower age limit on the patients that we see and while Chiropractors are commonly associated with treating back pain, we look after a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems from head to toe. There is more information on our ‘Where does it hurt” page.

Chiropractic is the name of our profession and it does not define what sort of treatment we undertake. We typically use a variety of techniques which alter how your joints and soft tissues move, and we also give advice on general or specific exercises, diet or other health-related matters. Chiropractors select whichever techniques will best suit their patient, and we make these choices in partnership with the patient. Some patients and problems will respond best to more joint manipulation and less soft-tissue work, and for others we might opt to use an entirely soft-tissue based approach.

Do Chiropractors crack backs? Yes, but in the same way that dentists extract teeth or doctors prescribe antibiotics – there is so much more that we do as well!

If you are still not sure what chiropractors do, of whether we are right for you, please come in and talk to us. We are always delighted to meet you in person and to explore what you want to change.

Some definitions of chiropractic:

A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, 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.
World Federation of Chiropractic

Chiropractors are qualified health professionals who offer treatment for problems with the bones, joints and muscles that support the body (the ‘musculoskeletal system’). Problems may occur as a result of accidents, illness, poor posture, lack of exercise, sports injury – or simply everyday wear and tear. These problems tend to cause pressure on the nerves in the body.
The General Chiropractic Council, UK

Chiropractic is a treatment where a practitioner called a chiropractor uses their hands to help relieve problems with the bones, muscles and joints.
NHS website ‘Health A-Z’

Chiropractic is a regulated primary healthcare profession. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), as well as the effects these disorders can have on the nervous system and general health. They have a specialist interest in neck and back pain, but when they assess patients, they take their entire physical, emotional and social wellbeing into account.
British Chiropractic Association