What does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractic care is a healthcare profession (rather than a single treatment), in which practitioners aim to enhance the well-being and physical health of their patients by using manual treatment and offering lifestyle advice.
Chiropractors engage with the framework of the muscles and bones that support the body (the musculoskeletal system) to make certain adjustments to tissue and joints. This is to help treat health conditions that may be associated with spinal misalignments.
Chiropractors are trained to use a range of techniques to reduce pain and improve function and mobility. Manual treatment is the primary technique, but in some cases, other treatments may be used.
Chiropractic techniques
The types of manual techniques a chiropractor may use during treatment include:
- Short, sharp thrusts applied to the spine. These movements aim to remove joint restrictions and improve movement.
- Gradually moving joints through different positions. This is to reduce tension.
- Stretching and pulling muscles in certain directions. This is intended to strengthen the muscle and improve movement.
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to healthcare and patients' needs. Chiropractors may consider psychological and social factors alongside physical health. They may also offer lifestyle advice to support your overall well-being, such as guidance on exercise, pain management and rehabilitation.
What’s the difference between a chiropractor and osteopath?
There are many similarities between chiropractic care and osteopathy. However, there are subtle differences between the two techniques which may make one treatment more suitable for you than the other.
Chiropractors tend to focus on the alignment of the spine as the primary means to relieve pain by preventing any compromise of the nervous system. Whereas osteopaths assess the body's function as a whole to help improve it by correcting overall posture and alignment.
Osteopaths use soft tissue massage and movement to rebalance the body’s structure in a way that enhances blood flow and nerve function. Chiropractors, on the other hand, use manipulation to adjust the position of the spine and joints in order to improve nerve function and healing ability.
Both osteopaths and chiropractors are regulated by law in the UK and have to be registered with their regulatory council.
What can a chiropractor help with?
Chiropractic care is typically associated with treating back and neck pain. A chiropractor may also be able to help with a number of conditions, including:
- ankle sprains
- cramps and muscle spasms
- elbow pain
- headaches
- joint pain
- back pain
- general aches and pains
- migraine prevention
- minor sports injuries
- plantar fascitis
- rotator cuff injuries
- siatica
- shoulder issues
- tension and trouble relaxing.
Does chiropractic care work?
Studies suggest that chiropractic care (specifically spinal manipulation therapy) is as effective as physical therapy or exercise for managing lower back pain and some types of neck pain. Research also suggests short-term improvement for acute neck pain and some tension headaches.
NICE recommends considering manual therapy, which can include spinal manipulation, for lower back pain with or without sciatica. This should be part of a treatment package that includes exercise, with or without psychological therapy.
Can I get chiropractic care on the NHS?
Complementary therapies are not usually available on the NHS. Many people try to find a chiropractor that practices privately. The NHS advises checking that your chiropractor is registered with the General Chiropractic Council.
What to expect in a chiropractic appointment
When you first meet with a chiropractor, you will usually have an initial assessment. They will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, current health, and any previous injuries or surgery. If you have relevant health or X-ray reports, you may be asked to bring these with you.
Chiropractor Katie Hopper explains that an initial consultation may also include a physical examination and assessment of your posture, spine, joints, nerves, muscles and ligaments. Your chiropractor should explain their findings to you and discuss a treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.
Your physical examination will typically focus on your spine and posture and may include checks such as taking your blood pressure. If further investigation or imaging is appropriate, your chiropractor can discuss this with you and explain the next steps.
Once the initial consultation is complete, your chiropractor will discuss whether chiropractic care is suitable for you and, where appropriate, recommend a treatment plan.
What techniques do chiropractors use?
The range of techniques your chiropractor uses will be tailored to treat your specific needs. Your treatment may include soft tissue therapies such as massage.
Generally, you should expect treatment to involve manual adjustments to the joints, muscles and bones of your spine. You will be asked to sit or lie down, and you may have to remove upper body clothing so your chiropractor can access your spine.
You will also be advised on rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle changes. This will help ensure long-term health is maintained during and after treatment. You may also be given homework, such as daily stretching to improve your mobility.
Does chiropractic care hurt?
Chiropractic should not be painful. There should only be discomfort if your chiropractor is treating an injury that is painful and inflamed. If you experience significant discomfort or pain during treatment, you should tell your chiropractor immediately.
Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic is generally considered safe when carried out by a suitably qualified and registered chiropractor. As with any treatment, there can be side effects and risks, which your chiropractor should discuss with you before treatment.
Chiropractic is not recommended for people who have:
- inflammatory spine conditions;
- recently experienced a fracture or severe osteoporosis;
- severe bone, joint, or vascular conditions.
If you are taking blood thinners, have had recent spinal surgery, or have inflammatory arthritis, you may need to speak with your healthcare professional to see if chiropractic treatment is safe for you.
If you are considering chiropractic, you must give your chiropractor as much information as possible so they can determine whether it is suitable for you. This also includes any medications you may be taking, as some may affect whether treatment is suitable for you.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need?
The number of chiropractic sessions you may need depends on several factors, including your symptoms, medical history and how you respond to treatment. Some people may need only a few sessions, while others may benefit from treatment over a longer period.
Your chiropractor should recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs and regularly review your progress. As your symptoms improve, the frequency of your appointments may change. In some cases, your chiropractor may also discuss ongoing or maintenance care with you.
It's important to talk to your chiropractor about your treatment goals and progress so you can decide together whether treatment should continue or be adjusted.
How much does a chiropractor cost?
The cost of chiropractic sessions varies depending on your clinic, location, and the type of treatment. Some chiropractors may offer discounted rates for concessions. Details of this can be found on individual profiles.
What training and qualifications does a chiropractor need?
Anyone who wants to practice as a chiropractor in the UK must register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and hold a qualification recognised by the GCC, which regulates the chiropractic profession. It’s a criminal offence for anyone to call themselves a chiropractor if they're not registered with the GCC.
If you’re looking to find a chiropractor, our directory only lists practitioners who comply with our policy. This means they have the relevant qualification, insurance cover, and are members of the GCC.
Find a chiropractor
If you're considering chiropractic care, it's important to find a qualified practitioner you feel comfortable with. Before starting treatment, your chiropractor should take the time to understand your symptoms and medical history, explain the treatment they recommend and discuss any potential benefits and risks with you.
