What is chiropractic?

Chiropractors are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions which are due to mechanical dysfunction of the joints and their effects on the nervous system.

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.

Statutory regulation of chiropractic

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is a UK-wide statutory body with regulatory powers, established by the Chiropractors Act 1994. It has four main duties:

• To protect the public by establishing and operating a scheme of statutory regulation for chiropractors

• To set the standards of chiropractic education, practice and conduct

• To ensure the development of the profession of chiropractic, using a model of continuous improvement in practice

• To promote the profession of chiropractic so that its contribution to the health of the nation is understood and recognised.

A very brief history of chiropractic

In 1895, at Davenport in Iowa, the 'founder' of chiropractic, Daniel David Palmer, met Harvey Lillard - a janitor who had suffered hearing problems since a back injury. Palmer discovered a lump on Lillard’s back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of alignment. Palmer adjusted the vertebra and immediately Lillard’s hearing improved. After several such treatments, much of Lillard’s hearing was completely restored. Chiropractic was born.

Palmer’s son, B J Palmer helped build Palmer College in Davenport into one of the largest chiropractic colleges in the United States. His patients included US presidents and business leaders from all over the world.

Today, there are over 25 chiropractic institutions throughout the world and at any given time more than 10,000 students.

Find out more about the conditions we treat and what to expect from your first visit to Bromsgrove Chiropractic Clinic.