Chiropractic is the third largest primary health care profession in the world after medicine and dentistry.

Chiropractors primarily assess the alignment (posture) and movement of the spine and carry out muscle, orthopaedic and neurological tests to highlight any areas of the spine and/ or the nervous system that are not functioning optimally. As well as the joints of the spine, chiropractors may also assess the function of other joints in your body including but not limited to shoulders, knees, elbows, ankles etc.

The reason chiropractors are so interested in your spine is because as well as allowing you to be upright and flexible, it also has the major role of protecting your nervous system. Your nervous system is your body's main control system, regulating organs (such as the heart, lungs and digestive organs), glands, blood vessels and even the immune system.

Areas of joint and nervous system dysfunction may or may not be accompanied by pain or symptoms and can therefore go unnoticed. Chiropractors use their hands to make specific adjustments to the spine and body. Chiropractors aim to restore normal function to the spine and nervous system in order to restore health, alleviate pain/ symptoms (where applicable), improve and maintain mobility and prevent future problems. Chiropractors believe in a natural approach to health care and do not use drugs or surgery.

Chiropractors are regulated by a government statutory body (The General Chiropractic Council) and since June 2001, law has protected the title of ‘Chiropractor’. It is illegal to describe yourself as a Chiropractor without adequate training and qualifications. In order to practice as a chiropractor you must be registered with The General Chiropractic Council http://www.gcc-uk.org.