Chiropractic
Conditions commonly treated by chiropractors
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
Chiropractic treatments are often used for musculoskeletal conditions (which affect the muscles, bones and joints).
These conditions include:
- lower Lumbago (low back pain)
- neck pain
- shoulder pain and problems
- slipped discs
- leg pain and sciatica
- pain or problems with hip, knee, ankle and foot joints
- pain or problems with elbow, wrist and hand joints
- fibromyalgia
Some chiropractors, however, claim to treat a wide range of conditions that are unrelated to muscles, bones and joints, such as:
- asthma
- allergies
- painful periods
- infant colic
- headache and migraine
- high blood pressure (high blood pressure)
- mental health conditions such as depression , phobias or anxiety disorders
- gastrointestinal disorders (of the stomach and bowel)
They may also use chiropractic treatments to maintain overall good health.
Guidance from the General Chiropractic Council
The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) says that treatment provided by chiropractors should:
- be informed by the best available evidence, the preferences of the patient and the expertise of practitioners
- be appropriate to the patients current state of health and health needs
- minimise risks to that patient
Anyone receiving chiropractic treatment must first give consent to treatment .
Recommended uses
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines to the NHS on the use of treatments and care of patients. Currently, NICE recommends that spinal manipulation as practised by chiropractors be considered as a treatment option for one condition, which is:
- persistent low back pain (that has lasted longer than six weeks, and less than one year)
Read the NICE guidelines on early management of persistent non-specific low back pain (PDF, 104kb) .
Read information about the safety and regulation of chiropractic .
Articles for Chiropractic
Conditions commonly treated by chiropractors
Chiropractic is commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions (affecting the muscles, bones and joints), such as lower back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain.
Evidence for its effectiveness
There is good evidence that chiropractic is an effective treatment for persistent lower back pain.
How chiropractic is performed
Chiropractic treatment often involves manipulation of the joints, muscles and bones, especially manipulation of the spine. It may also involve advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle.
Introduction
Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the bones, joints, muscles and soft tissue. Chiropractic treatment often involves spinal manipulation. Access to chiropractic through the NHS is limited.
Safety and regulation of chiropractic
There is legal regulation of chiropractic in the UK. Chiropractic is one of two complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) that operate under statutory regulation.
