General Chiropractic Council GCC

Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?  

 A1.

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 us (the GCC).

By law, we 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.

 A2.

You can click on the icon 'Check the Register' that appears on the top-right of every page on this website; phone us on 0845 601 1796 (the call will be charged at local rates and you won't be held in a queue); or email registrations@gcc-uk.org. 

 A3.

Click here to download an information leaflet.

 A4.

The first questions to ask are:

• why would you need a year's treatment?
• how does the chiropractor know in advance that you need a year's treatment?
• will you get a full refund if you decide to discontinue treatment?

There is no doubt that many patients benefit from regular chiropractic care at intervals of time that may vary, depending on factors such as the condition for which they are being treated, the type of work they do and other activities that they engage in.  For example

• a carpet layer who had suffered lower back problems might visit a chiropractor every couple of months to prevent a recurrence of that problem, while maintaining his health in between visits by following the chiropractor's advice.
• a professional footballer might be kept under weekly review by a chiropractor
• somone who's had a chronic condition over a long period of time could benefit from chiropractic care at regular intervals, to maintain a healthy position

But that is very different to paying in advance for a large number of visits, based on a decision taken at the first or second visit.  At a recent hearing of our Professional Conduct Committee, the Committee determined that a patient treatment plan involving 3 appointments per week for 12 weeks, followed by a reassessment, was inappropriate, excessive and not in the best interests of the patient.

So do ask all the questions you need to before making any payment in advance.

 A.5

Your chiropractor will only recommend that an x-ray be taken if there is a valid clinical reason for doing so.  Like all health professionals, chiropractors must comply with the legislation that governs the use of x-rays - the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000.

 A6.

 A7.

It is always worth asking your GP, your local Primary Care Trust or Health Board if NHS funding is available for chiropractic.  As yet, it is not widespread even though chiropractic care is included in the Musculoskeletal Services Framework  published by the Department of Health.  There is also a pilot scheme in Northern Ireland that includes funding for chiropractic.  Perhaps what is needed now is the application of 'patient power' so that the choice of chiropractic care is open to more of those who can benefit from it.

 A8.

The Committee of Advertising Practice's (CAP) position is that advertisers who use the title 'Dr' should take care not to imply that they hold a general medical qualification. In general, CAP advises that if they do not possess such a qualification advertisers should not call themselves 'Dr'. Chiropractors are therefore advised not to use the title 'Dr' in their advertisements or in any information targetted at patients.

When referring to themselves in, for example, print adverts, practice leaflets or websites, chiropractors who wish to use the courtesy title of 'Dr' should give their name followed by their qualification in brackets e.g. John Bloggs (Doctor of Chiropractic).

The CAP Copy Advice Team provides a free advice service and will check any advertising claims prior to publication. They can be contacted at advice@cap.org.uk or on 020 7492 2100 Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.

 A9.

Chiropractic is a world-wide profession and there is a great variety in the titles of qualifications.  The important thing is that all chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the GCC.  Some chiropractors have a special interest in (for example) sports injuries or the care of children - if this is what you're looking for, then you'll find it helpful to check first by telephoning your local chiropractors.

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