Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Chiropractic

Chiropractors specialise in using manual methods (working using their hands) to diagnose, treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the spine, joints and muscles. Mechanical disorders are those when bones or joints have been stretched or fallen out of their natural position.

Treatment consists of stretching and manipulation (moving) of the joints. The main purpose is to realign (put back in the correct position) the spine and other skeletal structures of the body. Chiropractors are also concerned with the effects that misaligned joints have on the nervous system. By restoring the natural position of the bones and joints, they believe that the body will be more able to heal itself of a range of related problems, such as headaches or back pain.

All UK chiropractors must, by law, register with the General Chiropractic Council. They must keep to the legal standards of education, conduct and practice set by the GCC. It is a criminal offence for a person to describe himself or herself as a chiropractor unless GCC registered.

The British Chiropractic Association is a professional association that represents its members’ interests. About half the UK chiropractic profession are members of the BCA.

• How is it performed?
• What is it used for?
• How does it work?
• Risks

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