What is Chiropractic Care?
Definition and Scope of Chiropractic Care
World Health Organisation defines chiropractic it as: “A health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal and nervous system function and the effects of these disorders on general health.” In other words concerned with the nervous system, muscular system and skeleton – primarily the spine, which houses and protects the spinal cord and from which the nerves to most of the body emerge.
Without the use of drugs or surgery Chiropractors do not directly treat pain or other symptoms. As unpleasant as they are, the pain is a message telling you something is wrong. Merely masking the pain with drugs is unlikely to help you in the long term. Rather, chiropractors look for the underlying cause of the problem and treat it with the aim to make the pain message unnecessary and so alleviate chronic pain. They also aim to improve patient mobility, and support overall health and wellness.
Chiropractic Treatment and Its Benefits
Chiropractic care can benefit the whole family, including new-borns, professional athletes, desk workers, pregnant mums-to-be, and seniors. Chiropractors have a range techniques in their tool bag so that they can adapt their treatment according to the age, physical condition and disposition of a wide range of people.
Regular chiropractic care can help prevent reoccurrences and improve overall well-being.
Education and Training of Chiropractors
To practice as a chiropractor, individuals must complete rigorous training and meet strict regulatory requirements to ensure high standards of care.
Aspiring chiropractors are required to undertake a recognised degree programme in chiropractic, which typically takes four to five years to complete. Most UK trained chiropractors have an integrated masters chiropractic degree and some will have had a prior training in occupations like physical therapy and have a masters degree.
These courses, offered by accredited institutions, combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The curriculum covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, alongside hands-on training in spinal manipulation and other therapeutic techniques. Clinical placements are an integral part of the training, enabling students to work with patients under supervision of healthcare providers.
Chiropractors who have trained outside of the UK will have had to satisfy the General Chiropractic Council that they have received training on par with that in the UK.
Regulation of Chiropractors
Once qualified, chiropractors must register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the statutory body responsible for regulating the chiropractic profession in the UK. It is illegal to practice as a chiropractor without GCC registration. To maintain their registration, chiropractors must adhere to a code of practice, undertake continuous professional development (CPD), and stay up to date with best practices in patient care.
The GCC ensures that chiropractors operate within ethical and professional guidelines, protecting patients and promoting public confidence in the profession. This comprehensive system of training and regulation ensures that chiropractors in the UK deliver safe and effective care.
Safety and Efficacy of Chiropractic Care
Addressing Safety Concerns and Risks
- Chiropractic care is generally safe and designed to alleviate pain rather than cause it.
- Many patients report feeling relief and improved function after their treatments.
- The risk of serious complications from chiropractic care is exceedingly low.
Evidence Based Practice – a few examples
Back Pain
The evidence base for chiropractic care in treating back pain and lumbago (lower back pain) is well-established, particularly among chiropractic healthcare professionals for conditions like back pain. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments aka spinal manipulation, a core chiropractic technique, can effectively reduce pain and improve mobility. Research published in reputable medical journals has found that chiropractic adjustments can lead to better outcomes for patients with back pain.
Systematic reviews and clinical guidelines, including those from organisations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), recognise chiropractic care as a viable option for managing lower back pain with or without sciatica as a part of a clinical package. These guidelines often recommend manual therapies, including spinal manipulation, alongside exercise and self-management strategies.
Patients benefit from a non-invasive, drug-free approach to pain management, making chiropractic care particularly appealing for those seeking alternatives to medication or surgery. While ongoing research is needed, existing evidence supports and suggest chiropractic care as a safe and effective treatment for many back pain sufferers.
Sciatica
Chiropractic care is often used to manage sciatica, a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Research shows that spinal manipulation, a key chiropractic technique, can help reduce pain and improve function in some cases of sciatica.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Low Back & Sciatica Guidance recognises the evidence for spinal manipulation which is typically provided by chiropractors as part of an evidence-based package of care including exercise and psychosocial support.
By addressing misalignments in the spine, chiropractic adjustments aim to relieve pressure on the nerve and improve mobility.
Studies have also found that chiropractic care may be as effective as other treatments for certain types of sciatica. It offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach that many patients find appealing.
Neck Pain
Numerous studies have shown that spinal manipulation, a key technique used by chiropractors, can help reduce pain and improve function in patients with acute or chronic neck issues.
Systematic reviews have also found chiropractic care to be comparable to other common treatments or pain-relief medications, for managing neck pain. A key advantage is that chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free option, which appeals to patients seeking alternatives to medication or surgery. While more high-quality research is needed to further strengthen the evidence base, current findings support the role of chiropractic in providing safe and effective relief for certain types of neck pain.
Migraine Prevention and Headaches
Chiropractic care has shown promise in helping to prevent migraines and relieve headaches that originate from the neck, such as cervicogenic headaches. Research suggests that spinal manipulation, a key chiropractic technique, can reduce the frequency and intensity of these headaches. By addressing misalignments in the neck and relieving muscle tension, chiropractic adjustments may help reduce headache triggers and improve overall function.
Systematic reviews have highlighted spinal manipulation as a potentially effective, non-invasive option for managing certain types of headaches. For migraines, studies have shown that regular chiropractic care might decrease the frequency of episodes for some patients, though individual results vary.
Cervicogenic headaches, often linked to neck issues, appear particularly responsive to chiropractic treatment, as it targets the root cause of the pain. While further high-quality studies are needed, existing evidence supports chiropractic therapy as a safe and drug-free option for managing specific headache types and improving quality of life.
Shoulder Complaints
Chiropractic care can be beneficial for certain shoulder complaints including as rotator cuff issues. Research indicates that manual therapies, including joint manipulation and mobilisation, can help reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility. Extra corporeal shockwave therapy is also available at our Hampton Lane clinic. Chiropractors often use tailored exercises alongside adjustments to strengthen the shoulder and enhance recovery.
The NHS acknowledges that manual therapies like chiropractic may be effective for managing some musculoskeletal conditions, though specific guidance on shoulder complaints varies. Many patients value chiropractic care as a non-invasive option to address shoulder pain and improve function.
Joint Pain
The evidence base for chiropractic care in managing joint pain highlights its effectiveness for certain conditions. Chiropractic treatment often includes joint manipulation and mobilisation techniques, which can help reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance mobility. Studies have shown these techniques can be beneficial as part of a care plan for conditions like osteoarthritis, particularly in the spine, hips, and knees.
Research suggests that chiropractic care may also alleviate joint pain by reducing inflammation and improving the alignment of affected joints. Patients often find health benefits of this drug-free, hands-on approach appealing as it focuses on addressing the underlying cause of pain rather than just the symptoms. While more research is needed to fully establish its effectiveness for all joint-related issues, current evidence supports chiropractic as a safe and effective option for managing specific types of joint pain.
Tension and Inability to Relax
Chiropractic care may help alleviate tension and improve the ability to relax by addressing physical stressors in the body.
Some studies also indicate that chiropractic adjustments can promote relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. This can help reduce stress-related symptoms and improve overall well-being. While more robust research is needed in this area, many patients report feeling more relaxed and less tense after chiropractic treatment, making it a non-invasive, drug-free option for managing stress and tension.
Advertising Standard Agency permitted condition claims
The ASA only allows chiropractors to advertise the can help with conditions where there is sufficient robust evidence in peer reviewed journals. Although it is not an exhaustive list of the conditions patients have anecdotally reported found to have benefited the list can be found at https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-chiropractic.html
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
Fundamental to vitalistic Chiropractic care is that the nervous system is integrally linked to overall health and that spinal joint dysfunction can adversely effect nervous system function. Hence, optimising spinal health is believed to enhance neurological function.
Chiropractors focus on the function of nerves and how they innervate the whole body, including internal organs.
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health and wellness which focusses the body’s innate ability to self-regulate and self-heal.
Lifestyle and Preventive Care
Chiropractors often provide lifestyle counselling as part of a preventive health strategy.
Chiropractors work with patients to review their lifestyle and identify factors that may negatively impact their health. Typically these are badly set up workstations, sitting or standing in one position for extended periods, lack of variety of movements limited to a small number of joints and always taking the stair. They then discuss ways to make changes to improvement things These are frequently very small changes to include regular movement throughout the day. Even inexpensive sit/stand desks can make a big difference.
Conditions Treated by Chiropractors
Acute and Chronic Conditions
Chiropractors can help with new/acute complaints as well or ongoing/chronic complaints. How long these will take to resolve is typically dependent on the severity of the complaint, age of the patient and how long the underlying cause of the complaint has been a factor.
Sports Injuries
Chiropractors can treat minor, non-traumatic, sports injuries
Sports enthusiasts often seek chiropractic treatment for sports injuries that prevent them from competing or limit their performance.
Some elite sports teams employ chiropractors both to treat minor injuries but also in the belief that in can give them a small competitive edge.
Chiropractic Treatments and Techniques
Adjustments and Alignment
Chiropractic adjustments are at the heart of chiropractic medicine and treatment techniques.
These are precise manipulations of the vertebrae, commonly aimed at achieving proper spinal alignment.
Chiropractors use an array of techniques, including spinal adjustment / manipulation, ischaemic compression soft tissue (trigger point) therapy, dry needling, instrumented fascia release, and rehab exercises.
Non-invasive Alternatives
Chiropractic care is not restricted to manual low force and amplitude and high speed adjustments which can cause popping sounds.
There are gentler alternatives designed to have the same effect with very little force and no popping noises. These are better suited the very young, seniors are those who simply don’t like the popping sounds
Debunking Common Misconceptions
Chiropractors are Not Real Doctors
In the UK chiropractors are entitled to use the courtesy title “doctor” even if the do not have a PhD as long as they do not imply that they are medical doctors. They they undergo extensive training in science, health, and the human body.
Chiropractic Care Requires Lifelong Commitment
Chiropractic care does not require perpetual visits but many do choose less frequent ongoing care because they value the benefits of wellness case and not only crisis care when they are in pain. The chiropractor advises and the patient makes choices.
Chiropractors assess the individual’s condition, lifestyle, and health goals to develop a tailored treatment plan.
Scenarios where ongoing chiropractic care might be beneficial include addressing chronic conditions or maintaining optimal health.
Choosing the Right Chiropractor
Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor
- Questions about treatment plans and goals:
- What is your approach to chiropractic care?
- What techniques do you use?
- How will you monitor my progress?
Understanding Your Medical History
- Regarding medical history:
- What is your experience with conditions like mine?
- What are your office hours and arrangements when you are away from practice?
Conclusion
Finding the Right Chiropractor for Your Needs
- When choosing a chiropractor, consider their education, training, and experience.
- Look for a chiropractor who is registered with the GCC. If not registered the person is not a chiropractor in the UK.
- Ask questions about their approach, techniques, and office procedures.
