What is Chiropractic?

"Chiropractic is a health profession specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the affects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. Chiropractic practitioners essentially rely upon non-invasive treatment methods and will refer patients to medical practitioners should medication or surgery be indicated. This approach is further reinforced by chiropractors in their promotion of healthy lifestyles such as the avoidance of smoking and excess stress, proper diet and exercise."
The World Health Organization (WHO) definition, Guidelines on Chiropractic 2005

Chiropractic employs manual treatments consisting of specific, often gentle spinal manipulation or adjustments, done by hand to free joints and their associated muscles that are not moving properly. Your Chiropractor may employ various physiotherapy-type treatments in order to address associated muscle problems whilst rehabilitative exercises are usually a must in order to prevent joint de-conditioning and speed up recovery.

Education and Regulation

Chiropractic education and training is extensive, and in South Africa where principal Chiropractor Alex Dimopoulos trained, a Masters’ Degree in Chiropractic Sciences is awarded after an intensive six year program.

As the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) states, the title of Chiropractor is protected by law in the UK and as a result only practitioners who are registered with the statutory General Chiropractic Council (GCC) can call themselves Chiropractors.