Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
Chiropractors care for the neuromusculoskeletal system - the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A chiropractor will manipulate joints, bones and soft tissue in the back, neck and hips to help clients control pain, prevent injuries from reoccurring, or to maintain good alignment.
Training
You will need to complete a degree or postgraduate master's course recognised by the General Chiropractic Council which generally takes about three years. If you already hold a minimum BSc degree in a health sciences subject, you may be eligible to complete a postgraduate conversion course.
Regulation
Once qualified, in order to practise, you have to register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) which is a professional regulator overseen by the Professional Standards Authority. The title 'chiropractor' is protected under UK legislation.
Professional bodies
- Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) is a professional membership body that promotes and supports high standards of education, practice and research for chiropractors.
- British Chiropractic Association also represents UK chiropractors and is the largest and longest established association for chiropractors in the UK.
- McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA) membership is also open to all GCC registered chiropractors.