Chiropractic is the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the spine, joints, bones and muscles without the use of drugs or surgery.

The word derives from the Greek "cheiro" (the hand) and "praktos" (to use). The technique of spinal manipulation has been followed for more than 2000 years in both western and oriental cultures.

The Chiropractic profession is now subject to statutory regulation in the UK and regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), and anyone practicing as a Chiropractor must be registered with The General Chiropractic Council.

The Chiropractor
The chiropractor is a specialist clinician, with five years of training leading to highly developed diagnostic skills. As a professional consultant, he or she can determine whether manipulation is appropriate for the condition - or whether the patient should be referred to a doctor or alternative specialist for other types of treatment.

When can a Chiropractor help?
Almost half of those consulting chiropractors are suffering from low back pain - not surprising when you consider that four out of five people have back problems sometime in their life. But chiropractic is far more than simply a means of treating a bad back. Neck, shoulder and arm pain, as well as headaches and migraines, can often be helped by chiropractic. Leg pain, including sciatica, hip and knee problems can also be cured through manipulative treatment. Sports injuries also form a large part of chiropractic treatment, while many of those suffering from arthritis and the aches and pains of advancing years find relief from pain and increased use of their limbs.

Chiropractic is also suitable for relieving the symptoms of stress, and optimizing the way the body works is one of the best ways of enhancing health and wellbeing.

A chiropractor is always willing to discuss individual conditions or answer questions in order to assess whether chiropractic may be of benefit. The time required for any treatment - as well as its cost - can then be estimated.