Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatments are often used for musculoskeletal conditions (which affect the muscles, bones and joints).
These conditions include:
Some chiropractors, however, claim to treat a wide range of conditions that are unrelated to muscles, bones and joints, such as:
They may also use chiropractic treatments to maintain overall good health.
The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) says that treatment provided by chiropractors should:
Anyone receiving chiropractic treatment must first give consent to treatment .
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:
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 .
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.
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.
Chiropractic is commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions (affecting the muscles, bones and joints), such as lower back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain.
There is legal regulation of chiropractic in the UK. Chiropractic is one of two complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) that operate under statutory regulation.
There is good evidence that chiropractic is an effective treatment for persistent lower back pain.