What is it? It is an independent healthcare profession essentially involved in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of functional joint conditions, especially the spine.

The History: chiropractors use various forms of manipulation, and there is evidence that manipulation was commonly used by the Ancient Greeks. An American magnetic healer, Daniel David Palmer, is credited with founding chiropractic in 1895. He went on to open the first school in 1898. The therapy appeared in the UK in the early 20th century, and the British Chiropractors’ Association was established in 1925 with a handful of members. The Anglo-European College of Chiropractic was opened in 1965 in Bournemouth; from that time onwards the numbers of practicing therapists greatly increased with numbers reaching over 1,300 by 2010.

The Treatment:: Chiropractors have an extensive background in human physiology and disease processes using “orthodox” examination techniques as well as their own specialised exam procedures. Because of this, they will take a detailed case history and employ a wide range of routines and tests to determine the cause of the patient’s complaint. Xrays are sometimes taken in clinic or refer patients may be referred to outside Xray or scan centres when necessary. Various types of manipulation may be employed either using their hands or mechanical instruments. Other modalities such as massage, pressure techniques, acupuncture, sacro-occipital techniques, ice/heat and exercise routines may also be used.

The Most Common Conditions::

back pain

neck pain

headaches related to neck conditions

certain types of light-headedness

migraines

sciatica (pain into the legs)

pain/numbness/pins and needles into the arms and hands

the results of whiplash injuries

conditions of the extremity joints (hips, knees etc.)

sports injuries

muscle strains.

Regulation: Statutory regulation of the profession was achieved in 1994 with the The Chiropractors Act of Parliament; chiropractic is now regulated by the General chiropractic Coucil. It is now illegal to practice as a chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.