Frequently asked questions

What do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions that are due to  mechanical dysfunction of the joints and muscles,  particularly of the neck and back.Chiropractors have been historically associated with treating ‘bad backs’ and conditions such as ‘sciatica’. But chiropractors treat far more than low back pain.

In 2009 the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) commissioned a report to investigate the extent of strong scientific evidence as to the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment on a range of conditions. The following conditions were all found to have achieved that standard.

  • acute and chronic low back pain
  • acute and chronic neck pain
  • neck pains associated with some road traffic accidents
  • shoulder girdle pain and dysfunction
  • frozen shoulder
  • tennis elbow
  • muscle pain relief in cases of hip and knee osteo-arthritis
  • headaches and dizziness secondary to neck problems
  • migraine type headaches

Research trials are on going throughout the world in various chiropractic colleges and establishments to provide further strong evidence of treatment on an ever-increasing number of conditions.

For further information about the evidence please click onto either/both of the web pages below.

General Chiropractic Council (GCC)

British Chiropractic Association (BCA)

Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC)

Is my chiropractor properly qualified?

In 1999 the General Chiropractic Council was set up after the passing of The Chiropractic Act(1994) by parliament. It is now illegal for anyone in the UK claiming to be practising as a chiropractor without being on the register held by the GCC. To be on that register a chiropractor must have qualified from an accredited chiropractic college.

Their other main function is to ensure that UK chiropractors abide by their strict code of ethics, assuring a quality of service and protection for the patient.

In 1925 The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) was formed. Their main function now is to promote the profession and help with the everyday running of the profession. Membership of this organisation is voluntary but within the annual subscription paid by chiropractors, full indemnity insurance cover for the chiropractor is arranged.

Catherine is a member of both organisations

Will it hurt?

In most cases treatment is pretty painless, although the ‘popping’ noise may be alarming (this is only a pressure release within the joint..nothing dramatic has happened!)

What about my GP?

Most people consult a chiropractor through personal recommendation although there are many GPs who now consider that a chiropractor might be a good course of action for their patients and do refer patients to us.

With your prior permission we normally do send your GP a brief resumé  of our findings, treatments and outcomes of your case. If at any time, we feel that there is something giving cause for concern, then we will refer you back to your GP for further investigation.

Can the chiropractor refer me to a consultant?

In the Private sector there are currently several clinics locally which will accept referrals direct from us. These are mainly for arthritic problems needing joint replacement surgery or more serious spinal disease which are beyond the scope of our practise and after discussion with the patient we can refer you. We can also refer patients for private MRI scans, CT scans, Ultrasound and X-rays at the Cobalt centre in Cheltenham – usually within 5 days.  Unfortunately we have no such arrangement within the NHS, so we refer you back to the GP with a letter asking that they refer you on to the relevant consultant.