Frequently asked questions
Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?
No. It is illegal for anyone in the UK to use the title 'chiropractor' or to imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with the GCC.
By law, the GCC must
check those who apply for registration to make sure that they have a chiropractic qualification, are of good character and are physically and mentally fit
set and monitor standards of education and training
set standards of practice and conduct
deal with any complaints about the conduct or practice of chiropractors.
Will my doctor approve?
Increasingly, GPs are recognising chiropractic as an effective complementary treatment, particularly for back pain. However, some are less keen to refer patients to chiropractors. You do not need a GP's referral to visit a chiropractor.
How long does treatment take?
Your recovery is dependent on many factors - the problem, the length of time you have had it and your own commitment to any rehabilitative exercises and maintenance visits which your chiropractor may recommend
How often do I need to come for treatment?
An average course of treatment may entail five or six visits over two or three weeks, but every case is assessed individually, and it is important to keep your appointments, and make regular visits. Discuss this with your chiropractor, who will explain your treatment program to you.
Will treatment hurt?
Manipulation, when carried out correctly by a qualified practitioner, is not painful. If you have acute muscle spasm, when even the lightest touch hurts, there may be some discomfort. Sometimes, if you have had a problem for some time, you may feel sore whilst your body starts to adjust. Your chiropractor will tell you if this is likely to happen.
Why should I return if I'm feeling fine?
Your chiropractor has treated you, so allowing your body to heal, but if you continue the lifestyle which caused the original condition, regular treatment should also continue.
Is chiropractic treatment safe? Even if I've already had surgery?
Chiropractic is remarkably safe when treatment is carried out by a properly qualified practitioner. Your chiropractor is trained to recognise conditions which require referral elsewhere, and can treat you even after surgery.
Is there anything wrong with me 'cracking' my neck or back myself?
You cannot properly control an adjustment to yourself. If you feel you want to 'crack' your joint it is because you need an adjustment. Usually the joint you want to release is adjacent to the one that cracks and although it gives temporary relief you may be making the joint hypermobile and compounding the problem.
How are chiropractors trained and qualified?
Education
All chiropractors are educated to master's degree level, with several universities offering chiropractic degrees in the UK.
Master of Chiropractic degree MChiro (Hons) courses are four to five years, full-time. Entry to the four-year course requires A-Level grades of ABB and for the five-year BCC.
Courses reflect the evidence-based approach of BCA chiropractors and cover anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, pathology, as well as clinical sciences including orthopaedics, neurology, radiology and diagnosis. Training includes essential practical examination skills, with final-year students treating patients under supervision.
What is the Chiropractors Act?
The Chiropractors Act received Royal Assent in July 1994. Resulting from it, the General Chiropractic Council was announced in January 1997. It is responsible for setting standards of both education and conduct within the profession, and requires all chiropractors to be registered to practice legally in the UK.
Is there scientific proof that chiropractic works?
Particularly for low back pain, yes. The Clinical Standards Advisory Group recommended in 19941 that there should be earlier access to the manipulative therapies and a redistribution of resources within the NHS to make this happen. In September 1996 the Royal College of General Practitioners issued guidelines for GPs which recommend manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients with low back pain. They also state that the risks of manipulation are very low in skilled hands.
Now research is beginning to concentrate on how chiropractic affects other areas of the musculo-skeletal system, including a trial at the University of Odense in Denmark 2on the effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of neck-related headache and a Canadian patient satisfaction study shows chiropractic as an effective means of resolving or improving- back and/or neck pain.
Information supplied by the British Chiropractic Association.