A chiropractor is a healthcare professional that treats musculoskeletal pain, including back and neck problems, shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries and hip and knee issues. Visiting a chiropractor can help reduce your discomfort, improve your range of movement and help you to function normally again.

What exactly does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor uses their hands to examine and treat spine, muscle and joint problems. They also work with other health professionals to support your care, when necessary.

Chiropractor are trained to recognise when they can and cannot help, so you will not receive treatment you do not need. In the UK, chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) to practise and are encouraged to display their registration number in their practice.

In most cases, your chiropractor will use a technique called spinal manipulation, which involves precise movements or thrusts applied to your spine or joints with controlled force. This may cause some discomfort, and you might hear popping sounds, but it is safe. Your chiropractor will discuss the risks with you before any manipulation takes place and will ask for your consent to proceed, in a process known as informed consent.

Many people visit a chiropractor because they are suffering from back or neck pain caused by poor posture. If you spend long periods of time sitting, especially hunched over a computer or desk job, your posture can become misaligned and put pressure on the vertebrae and nerves in your spine. If this happens, your chiropractor can perform a spinal adjustment to alleviate the pressure on the affected area and improve your posture.