Chiropractic is a regulated primary healthcare profession.
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent
disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and
muscles), as well as the effects these disorders can have on
the nervous system and general health. They have a specialist
interest in neck and back pain, but when they assess patients,
they take their entire physical, emotional and social wellbeing
into account.
Chiropractors use a range of techniques to reduce pain, improve
function and increase mobility, including hands-on manipulation
of the spine. As well as manual treatment, chiropractors are
able to offer a package of care which includes advice on
self-help, therapeutic exercises and lifestyle changes.
Chiropractic treatment mainly involves safe, often gentle,
specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or
other areas of the body that are not moving properly. Apart from
manipulation, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques
including ice, heat, ultrasound, exercise and acupuncture as
well as advice about posture and lifestyle.
Although chiropractors are best known for treating back and neck
pain, which they do very well, patients also consult
chiropractors regarding a range of other, related conditions and
they have a longstanding history of treating some musculoskeletal
sports injuries.