Choosing a chiropractor

"Our role is to deliver improved outcomes for our patients. However, a critical part of the overall patient experience is ensuring we work with and treat patients safely." 

Elisabeth Angier, Wye Valley Chiropractic Clinic

About chiropractors

Chiropractors are qualified health professionals who can assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, such as back and neck pain, minor sports injuries and sciatica.  

Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for a number of reasons; relieving symptoms of pain and discomfort, improving mobility and reducing disability associated with muscle and joint problems.

How can a chiropractor help you?

Chiropractors are trained to use a range of techniques when treating their patients. They are best known for using manual methods of care, including spinal and joint manipulation (also referred to as ‘adjustment’) but may also use other hands-on or instrument-assisted approaches.

Many chiropractors will also provide lifestyle advice and exercises to help you manage your condition. This may include dietary and nutritional advice as well as strategies to manage stress and discomfort.

Before starting treatment, a chiropractor will assess your symptoms to determine if chiropractic treatment is right for you and your condition, and what techniques are most likely to help. Chiropractors are trained to recognise when chiropractic treatment will not help a medical condition and will make a referral to your General Practitioner or another healthcare professional, if necessary. 

Download our GCC patient checklist to help you get the most out of your chiropractic treatment

Choosing a chiropractor

Chiropractors are regulated healthcare professionals. To practise in the UK, a chiropractor must be qualified and registered with the GCC. It is illegal for anyone to describe themselves as a chiropractor without being registered with the GCC. 

When choosing a chiropractor, it is essential that you check to ensure that they are registered with the GCC. Look out for the I’m Registered mark during your search and find out if a chiropractor is registered with the GCC at www.gcc-uk.org/find-a-chiropractor.

Finally, while some chiropractors offer services through the NHS, most work in the private sector. This does mean that you will be responsible for covering the costs of treatment, either privately or through your health insurer. 

Next:

Your first visit to see a chiropractor (the initial assessment)