Chiropractic is 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.

In other words chiropractors treat problems with joints, bones and muscles, and the effects they have on the nervous system.

Chiropractic is the third largest primary health care profession in the world (a primary health care professional being one who carries out both diagnosis and treatment) after medicine and dentistry. Primary health profession also means that you do not have to be referred by the doctor to see a specialist.

Chiropractic is a natural and conservative form of health care, offering an alternative to medication and surgery. Accordingly it makes no use of drugs or surgery and has no aspirations to do so.

In addition to high levels of general diagnostic skills, chiropractors are also trained how to take and analyse x-rays, when appropriate, for use in establishing a diagnosis. A chiropractor is trained to diagnose your problem and will refer you to another health-care practitioner if necessary.

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 governing body similar to General Medical Council for doctors.

The BCA’s aim is to promote, encourage and maintain high standards of conduct, practice, education and training within the profession in the UK.

Find out more about how chiropractic can help you by visiting the BCA and GCC websites.