So what is Chiropractic really?
So, what is chiropractic? When most people hear the word chiropractor, they immediately think of back cracking and joints being “clicked” into place. But here’s the thing, chiropractic care involves much more. In fact, joint manipulation is just one of the many techniques a chiropractor may use.
Chiropractic Is More Than Just "Cracking Backs"
Joint manipulation (those satisfying pops and cracks) can be useful. However, it’s not the whole picture. A good chiropractor will assess your individual situation and decide what combination of techniques will help you best. Sometimes that may not include manipulation at all.
What Chiropractic Really Looks Like
When I see a patient in my clinic, I never just do joint manipulation and send them on their way. My approach is hands-on, yes, but also holistic. That means it usually includes:
- Soft tissue therapies such as massage or trigger point release
- Active Release Technique (ART)
- Acupuncture
- Active stretching techniques
- LASER therapy or shockwave therapy, where appropriate
And most importantly, I always give personalised advice, stretches, and exercises that suit you — your needs, your abilities, and your lifestyle. No cookie-cutter exercise sheets here!
Why Is There So Much Confusion About Chiropractic?
Honestly, it comes down to the wide variety in chiropractic practice. One chiropractor may provide a thorough assessment, explain your condition clearly, and design a well-rounded plan. Meanwhile, another — sometimes just across the road — might offer a completely different explanation and approach.
The profession isn’t very unified either. In the UK alone, five different chiropractic associations exist, each with its own philosophy. There are even distinct chiropractic styles, such as McTimoney chiropractic, taught at a dedicated college. So how are you supposed to know what’s right for you? From the outside, a chiropractor looks like just a chiropractor — yet their treatments can differ greatly.
How to Choose the Right Chiropractor
Here’s my honest advice: every profession has good and bad.
- If your chiropractor only cracks your back and sends you home, find another chiropractor.
- If your physio just hands you a sheet of exercises, find another physio.
- If your doctor ignores you, skips explanations, and only prescribes painkillers, find another doctor.
You deserve care that listens, explains, and truly helps.
A Quick Tip: Look for Professional Membership
One way to know what kind of care you’ll receive is by checking which professional body your chiropractor belongs to. I’m a member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), the largest network of regulated chiropractors in the UK.
BCA chiropractors are:
- Evidence-based
- Patient-focused
- Trained to use a range of techniques, not just manipulation
We don’t make wild claims about “unlocking your body’s innate healing power.” We don’t promise miracle cures for asthma, IBS, or cancer. We focus on what we’re trained to treat: your muscles, joints, and nervous system.
So, What Can a Chiropractor Help With?
In my experience, chiropractic care is most effective for muscle, joint, and nerve-related problems. For example:
- Arthritis— I can’t replace a joint, but I often help patients manage pain and improve their day-to-day mobility.
- Headaches— Many patients with tension headaches, especially those linked to the neck, find real relief. But not every type of headache responds to chiropractic.
- Pins and needles, sciatica— Quite often, yes, as long as the spinal structures are intact. If a patient needs spinal surgery or has a collapsed disc, that’s when I refer them to the right specialist.
No two cases are alike. My job is to explain what’s realistic for your situation — no miracle claims or false promises, just straightforward, evidence-based care.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Many people ask about safety. The short answer is yes. For most patients, chiropractic care is very safe when provided by a trained, regulated professional. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
Most people notice only mild soreness after treatment. It feels similar to the ache you might get after exercise. To keep care safe, I always take a full history and carry out a detailed assessment first. If I find anything that suggests chiropractic isn’t right for you, I’ll explain why and refer you to the right healthcare professional.
Like any form of healthcare, chiropractic isn’t one-size-fits-all. Safety comes from careful assessment, clear communication, and treatment tailored to you. And remember: chiropractic care does not equal spinal manipulation. It may include it, but only if it’s the right choice for you.
Thinking About Seeing a Chiropractor?
If you’re curious about how chiropractic care could help your back pain, neck pain, sciatica, or other musculoskeletal issues, my advice is simple: ask questions.
- What treatments will they use? For example, some of my patients specifically request adjustments be performed with an activator instead of manual manipulation.
- Do they provide personalised advice and exercises?
- Are they a member of a reputable association like the BCA?
If you’re not getting the care or answers you deserve, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere. And if you’d like to know more about evidence-based chiropractic care in the UK — or whether your specific condition is something we can help with — get in touch. We’re always happy to give honest advice.
