What is it?

Modern chiropractic was founded by a Canadian, Daniel David Palmer in 1895. Most chiropractors see people of all ages, usually for problems (often pain) with joints, bones and muscles. Chiropractors place particular emphasis on the spine as it protects the most important system in the human body; the nervous system. The nervous system regulates the functioning of all body systems including heart, lungs and digestive system. Chiropractors use their hands to make gentle, specific adjustments (the chiropractic word for manipulation) to the spine and body in order to improve the workings of the nervous system. With an optimally working nervous system, your body is free to heal.

Doctors of Chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient. Chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery.

Chiropractors are fully regulated by a government statutory body (The General Chiropractic Council) and since June 2001, law has protected the title of ‘chiropractor’. It’s a criminal offence to describe oneself as any sort of chiropractor without having undergone adequate training and being registered with The General Chiropractic Council (www.gcc-uk.org). There are currently 2200 registered chiropractors working full-time in the UK.

Does It Hurt?

Many people who have no experience of chiropractic treatment are concerned about this. New clients are often in pain and find it difficult to understand how we carry out treatment in a gently and safe way. However, most people enjoy their chiropractic treatments and do not experience any discomfort during their visit. Some people do experience soreness (similar to the discomfort we experience after a new kind of exercise) the day following their first treatment.

Is Chiropractic the same as Osteopathy?

This is a very common question! Both professions use manipulation techniques and date back to the late 1800s. Historically the two professions had differences in philosophy; chiropractors talked more of nerves and osteopaths of blood. Chiropractors more frequently use X ray examination to understand the underlying structural changes that have led to problems and are fully trained in performing X rays to the same standard as hospital radiographers.

Will my GP support my decision?

Your GP should not have any concerns with you seeing your chiropractor. The recent Smallwood report into the benefits of ‘complementary’ medicine in the NHS, http://www.freshminds.co.uk/PDF/THE%20REPORT.pdf commissioned by the Prince of Wales, highlighted the benefits of chiropractic care for the treatment of back pain. The Royal College of General Practitioners has also recommended manipulative treatment for patients with low back pain. The report also comments on safety and states that ‘the risks of manipulation are very low in skilled hands’ http://209.200.76.144/gfx/uploads/textbox/HealthCareProfIntro.pdf.

Nearly four per cent of the British population now see a chiropractor according to a postal survey of 2668 randomly selected people in the UK carried out in 2000. Occasionally your doctor just may need a gentle reminder of these facts. Don’t be surprised if they tell you they have seen a chiropractor themselves!