Does NHS cover Chiropractor?

I've only had one UK chiropractic experience, and she used an activator. I don't know if that's standard or not but, if it's a concern for you, you could certainly phone a few places and ask before making an appointment.

My main concern was no one would know what I was talking about when I phoned, but if at least one person uses it then I know they won't think I'm a martian.  Thanks!

jklm - it's a little spring loaded thing with a rubber ball on one end that moves the vertebrae individually.  I like it much better than manual adjustments.

My chiropractor charges £45 for the initial consult (very thorough) and then £30 per follow up.  She doesn't use an activator.

Why pay a chiropractor when you can see a musculoskeletal physio on the NHS for free (it's also possible to pay a physio for private care)?

DW, who is a physio, says that chiropractors don't have half the medical training of physios and aren't anywhere near aware of the medical knowledge and conditions of the entire body, not just the specific area in pain which chiropractors seem too narrowly to focus on.

Why pay a chiropractor when you can see a musculoskeletal physio on the NHS for free (it's also possible to pay a physio for private care)?

DW, who is a physio, says that chiropractors don't have half the medical training of physios and aren't anywhere near aware of the medical knowledge and conditions of the entire body, not just the specific area in pain which chiropractors seem too narrowly to focus on.

It depends on which chiropractor you see. Many are extremely medically knowledgeable and very good at what they do. I used to be skeptical about chiropractors (being the daughter of an MD), but I'm a huge fan of them now. Another consideration is time. If you have a back problem, for instance, and are in terrible pain, the last thing you want to do is wait to see your GP, wait for a referral, and then wait for an appointment with a physio. It can take a long time. For some of us, it's worth the £30 to phone a good chiropractor and be seen that very afternoon.

Why pay a chiropractor when you can see a musculoskeletal physio on the NHS for free (it's also possible to pay a physio for private care)?

DW, who is a physio, says that chiropractors don't have half the medical training of physios and aren't anywhere near aware of the medical knowledge and conditions of the entire body, not just the specific area in pain which chiropractors seem too narrowly to focus on.

Thanks for that option.  I will check it out; I have also looked at private doctors, and I think I will enlist one after I move (there is not many in my current area)

That said, since I have made a concerted effort to stand with proper posture, and lose my slouch lately, my back pain has gone down 80%  I suppose my mother was right!

It depends on which chiropractor you see. Many are extremely medically knowledgeable and very good at what they do. I used to be skeptical about chiropractors (being the daughter of an MD), but I'm a huge fan of them now. Another consideration is time. If you have a back problem, for instance, and are in terrible pain, the last thing you want to do is wait to see your GP, wait for a referral, and then wait for an appointment with a physio. It can take a long time. For some of us, it's worth the £30 to phone a good chiropractor and be seen that very afternoon.

True, I suppose it does depend on the individual practitioner, some will be naturally more gifted or will attend many more courses and increase their knowledge.  I suppose there's nothing to stop a chiropractor from doing just that.  Is chiropractor (or chartered chiropractor) a protected term, ie only those who have received an accredited degree can claim the title?

In regards to the situation you described you can see a private physio just the same as a private chiropractor and get seen in practically the same time I'm sure.  Obviously the NHS route will take a bit longer!

DW, who is a physio, says that chiropractors don't have half the medical training of physios and aren't anywhere near aware of the medical knowledge and conditions of the entire body, not just the specific area in pain which chiropractors seem too narrowly to focus on.

Sorry to revive an old(ish) thread but I've been away on holiday. I'm not familiar enough with the curriculum of UK-trained chiropractors to comment on them, but can say that your above statement is not accurate of US-trained, specifically Palmer-educated chiropractors, of which there are many practicing in the UK. It involves 4 years of undergrad + 3 years of chiropractic school during which students study out of the same textbooks that are used in med schools and many classes are also taught by MD's. This is an attitude we battle nearly everyday in our practice. We now have a friendly relationship with the physios in our area and regularly accept referrals from them and also refer patients to them. Not trying to start a debate! I just couldn't let that go. 

Sorry to revive an old(ish) thread but I've been away on holiday. I'm not familiar enough with the curriculum of UK-trained chiropractors to comment on them, but can say that your above statement is not accurate of US-trained, specifically Palmer-educated chiropractors, of which there are many practicing in the UK. It involves 4 years of undergrad + 3 years of chiropractic school during which students study out of the same textbooks that are used in med schools and many classes are also taught by MD's. This is an attitude we battle nearly everyday in our practice. We now have a friendly relationship with the physios in our area and regularly accept referrals from them and also refer patients to them

Sorry to knock chiropractors, perhaps the training is different between US & UK?  I had the impression that there was much more formal education for physios but perhaps I am wrong?

What would you say is the main differences between chriropractors and physios?

Sorry to revive an old(ish) thread but I've been away on holiday. I'm not familiar enough with the curriculum of UK-trained chiropractors to comment on them, but can say that your above statement is not accurate of US-trained, specifically Palmer-educated chiropractors, of which there are many practicing in the UK. It involves 4 years of undergrad + 3 years of chiropractic school during which students study out of the same textbooks that are used in med schools and many classes are also taught by MD's. This is an attitude we battle nearly everyday in our practice. We now have a friendly relationship with the physios in our area and regularly accept referrals from them and also refer patients to them. Not trying to start a debate! I just couldn't let that go.

I never saw this thread initially and I'm glad you posted this.  I fully support you and your field!  True there are some that are NOT ethical...but I think shopping for a good chiro is like shopping for any other type of dr.  I see mine regularly because I too have scoliosis that I wasn't aware of until I stared marathon running and started to get very odd injuries on one leg & hip.  I have seen loads of Sports Drs. & Orthopedic Surgeons - some of the best - The Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC for one.  They did tons of tests, MRIs...and all they could come up with was surgery and prescribing me pills!  So I then turned to a friend that is a Chiropractor.  My injuries are now non-existent...and I do feel I owe that to him.