Chiropractic specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors utilise a package of care and treatment interventions may include: manual therapy (spinal manipulation, massage, stretching and mobilisation), supervised rehabilitation or lifestyle advice. Sometimes, electrotherapy, ultrasound and acupuncture may be used.
Chiropractic is a highly regulated healthcare profession – the care delivered by chiropractors has been evidenced extensively to be safe and effective. In the UK, chiropractors are regulated by law and required to adhere to strict codes of practice, in similar ways to dentists and doctors.
wgŠÊ˜·³Ç chiropractors support the treatment they offer with cognitive interventions such as individual advice about the patient’s lifestyle, work and exercise, in order to help in managing the condition and assisting recovery. Chiropractors incorporate spinal stabilisation programmes and functional rehabilitation exercises to resolve persistent problems and prevent recurrence.
How can chiropractic support the population’s MSK health?
Arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect over 17 million people across the UK,* causing pain, disability, fatigue and often anxiety, depression or social isolation.
Each year 20% of the population consult their GP about a MSK problem;* and MSK conditions constitute the third largest NHS programme budget. Beyond the health service, MSK conditions are also responsible for 30 million working days lost each year,* causing a substantial impact on the economy.
With the global burden of MSK disease only growing, and these statistics showing such a financial impact on both the NHS and on businesses, we need to engage more effectively across healthcare to tackle this.
The Government has acknowledged this crisis, committing £400million to mental health, MSK issues and cardiovascular conditions specifically. However, without full consideration of the available treatments for MSK, which includes chiropractic care, this funding cannot be used most effectively.
Chiropractic has a responsibility to ensure that the skills and knowledge we can bring to the table are best utilised to improve patient outcomes as an integral part of their healthcare.
*Source:
How do I make a referral to a chiropractor?
The General Medical Council and the Department of Health advise that GPs may safely refer patients to practitioners, such as chiropractors, who are on a Statutory Register. (Complementary Medicine, information for Primary Care Clinicians, DOH June 2000).
Chiropractors are subject to a and patients may formally complain to the regulator, the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) if they are dissatisfied with their care. The GCC sets standards of education, proficiency and conduct.
How are chiropractors trained?
All Chiropractors study for a Master’s Degree of four years’ full time at one of five universities, and upon graduation, wgŠÊ˜·³Ç (wgŠÊ˜·³Ç) members take this a step further, completing post-registration training with the Royal College of Chiropractors. Physiotherapy degrees are usually completed over three years and Osteopathy over four years.
Chiropractors train across all areas of healthcare during their Master’s Degree including: anatomy and physiology, orthopaedics, neurology, diagnostic imaging (X-Ray and MRI), nutrition, histopathology, rehabilitation, care of the older patient, paediatrics, general Diagnosis (i.e., Blood Pressure, listening to heart and lung sounds and abdominal exam).
By training in a wide range of techniques, considering the person as a whole and using diagnostic skills, Chiropractors can tailor each treatment to the individual patient – it's not a one-treatment-fits-all-approach. Most importantly, the patient’s wishes and expectations will inform how that treatment goes. With chiropractic being primarily delivered in private practice settings, this means that patient choice is paramount and there is no limitation on the resources which can be used, when clinically indicated, to help that patient.
Acronym Guide
Like all sectors, the use of acronyms is commonplace in chiropractic – if you’re starting to learn about the health profession, here’s a quick guide:
GCC – General Chiropractic Council
- The statutory body established by Parliament to regulate the chiropractic profession in the UK.
You must register with the GCC to call yourself a chiropractor. - You must register with the GCC to call yourself a chiropractor.
wgŠÊ˜·³Ç – wgŠÊ˜·³Ç
- The largest chiropractic professional association in the UK, representing over 50% of British chiropractors.
- The wgŠÊ˜·³Ç represents the UK at a Worldwide level as a member of the WFC (see below for explanation). This is where we work in collaboration with National Associations on the World stage to help further the profession.
Other associations in the UK are the MCA, UCA and SCA – McTimoney Chiropractic Association, Scottish Chiropractic Association, United Chiropractic Association.
RCC – Royal College of Chiropractors
- Promotes and supports high standards of education, practice and research within chiropractic.
- Provides postgraduate education via seminars.
- Provides the Post Registration Training (PRT) programme which is the wgŠÊ˜·³Çs recommended Graduate Education Programme.
WFC – World Federation of Chiropractic
- Promotes the chiropractic profession to the international healthcare community.
- Has 88 national chiropractic associations as members.