WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC
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.
Chiropractors use a range of techniques to reduce pain, improve function and increase mobility, including hands-on manipulation of the spine. As well as manual treatment, chiropractors are able to offer a package of care which includes advice on self-help, therapeutic exercises and lifestyle changes.
Chiropractic treatment mainly involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. Apart from manipulation, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques including ice, heat, ultrasound, exercise and acupuncture as well as advice about posture and lifestyle.
Although chiropractors are best known for treating back and neck pain, which they do very well, patients also consult chiropractors regarding a range of other, related conditions.
REGULATION OF CHIROPRACTORS
In common with other healthcare professionals such as medical practitioners nurses and dentists, the chiropractic profession is regulated by law.
The Chiropractors Act 1994 provides statutory regulation for the profession and the title ‘chiropractor’ is protected under this legislation. The statutory regulator is the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and it is illegal to practise as a chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.
TRAINING
Chiropractors go through a five year graduate and post-graduate course culminating in a Masters degree (MChiro). They then have to go through a years internship under a mentor before they can practice on their own, as well as completing Continuing Professional Development goals each year to make sure they stay up-to-date.