The Practice of Chiropractic

Chiropractic is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems primarily of the nervous system, muscles and joints. It enables the skilled practitioner to detect subtle differences in the functioning of the nervous system which can lead to alterations of mechanical structure and functional imbalances resulting in pain and difficulty in moving.

In addition to the high levels of general diagnostic skills, Chiropractors are also trained to take and analyse x-rays, when appropriate, for use in establishing a diagnosis.

A Chiropractor will refer a patient to another healthcare professional if clinically indicated.

Legal Status

Chiropractic is the third largest health care profession in the world after medicine and dentistry. As Chiropractors are educated and trained to the level of primary health care practitioner (a primary health care professional being one who carries out both diagnosis and treatment) it means that you do not have to wait to be referred by a medical doctor.

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA), founded in 1925, represents over 50% of Chiropractors in the United Kingdom. The aim of the BCA is to promote, encourage and maintain high standards of conduct, practice, education and training within the profession.

All BCA Chiropractors will have undergone a minimum of four, and usually five year, full time internationally accredited degree course and are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the governing body similar to the General Medical Council for doctors.

You can find out more about Chiropractic and how it can help you by visiting the BCA and GCC websites.

How does Chiropractic treatment work?

Translated from Greek Chiropractic means “done by hand” and that is what we do. Use a “hands-on” approach to treating the patient.

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and nerve cells which run all over our bodies. Its function is paramount to our good health. Much of the information throughout our bodies is conveyed along nerves of the nervous system.

Over the last decade with the aid of science and technology, we are more familiar with the human brain and its function than ever before. The brain requires constant and appropriate sensory stimulation to stay healthy. It can be activated and stimulated in specific ways to produce long-term changes through a process known as neuroplasticity. This is a natural process that occurs during the learning of a new skill, but can also be harnessed to aid healing.