Chiropractic for Back Pain

Chiropractic for Back Pain

myBackPain Assessment

Considering chiropractic for your back pain?

The myBackPain assessment identifies your specific diagnosis — helping you and your chiropractor start treatment from a clear clinical picture.

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GCC
regulated — all chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council to practise in the UK
NICE
recommends spinal manipulation as one component of manual therapy for back pain
Good
evidence for short-term pain reduction in acute low back pain

What chiropractors do

Chiropractic is a form of manual therapy focusing primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with particular emphasis on spinal manipulation. Chiropractors are regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and must be registered to practise in the UK.

Assessment
Clinical history, postural analysis, orthopaedic and neurological examination, and assessment of spinal movement and joint function.
Spinal manipulation
The signature technique — a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to a specific spinal joint, producing the characteristic “click”. Well-evidenced for acute low back pain.
Mobilisation
Gentler repetitive movements to restore joint range of motion without the thrust component.
Exercise and rehabilitation
Most modern chiropractors integrate exercise prescription and rehabilitation into their practice alongside hands-on treatment.

Safety

Lumbar spinal manipulation is generally safe when performed by a qualified chiropractor on appropriately screened patients. The most common side effects are temporary soreness after treatment. Serious adverse events are rare. Cervical (neck) manipulation carries a small but recognised risk and should be discussed with your chiropractor if neck treatment is proposed.

When manipulation should not be performed

Spinal manipulation is contraindicated in the presence of spinal metastases or tumour, spinal infection, cauda equina syndrome, fracture, spinal instability, confirmed spinal cord compression, and in patients on anticoagulants or with significant osteoporosis. A properly trained chiropractor will screen for these before treatment.

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Download the Chiropractic for Back Pain Fact SheetPDF — printable summary to share with your GP or practitioner

Find out which treatment is most appropriate for your specific back pain

The myBackPain assessment identifies the most likely cause of your pain — and guides you toward the treatment approaches with the best evidence for your specific presentation.

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£12.99  •  Personalised report  •  No subscription