The philosophy of chiropractic differs from that associated with modern medicine - namely that drugs and surgery are essential to maintain health. Chiropractic philosophy emphasises two fundamental concepts, namely, that the body is intelligent and can be self-healing and that the mind-body relationship is key to maintaining health.

Chiropractic philosophy supports the argument that health depends on an optimally functioning nervous system, the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body. The body's function and its ability to heal itself are heavily influenced by the structure of the spine, which, if shifted (subluxated), interferes with the nerve supply extending from the spine to the rest of the body. The nerve supply, the key communication link in the mind-body relationship, is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing process.

Chiropractic therapy focuses on health and treats the body as a whole (holistic), whereas modern medicine tends towards the treatment of disease and treats the body as a collection of parts.

There are a number of organisations that train, regulate or represent chiropractors in the UK. Foremost among these are the MCA, GCC and BCA.

The McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA) was formed by John McTimoney and represents approximately 30% of the practitioners in the UK. John McTimoney developed the chiropractic techniques taught to him in the 1950s and in doing so created an extremely effective method with a gentle approach and reliance on the hand. He was also a pioneer in the development of chiropractic treatment for animals, which was a major breakthrough bringing understanding to the causes of animal disease, difficult behaviour and poor performance.

McTimoney Chiropractors are trained in Abingdon, near Oxford, at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, the largest independent college offering mixed mode learning courses in chiropractic. ›››more

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is a UK-wide statutory body with regulatory powers, established by the Chiropractors Act of 1994. The GCC regulates chiropractors, sets chiropractic standards and develops and promotes the profession of chiropractic. The GCC maintains a register of chiropractors and has protected the title 'chiropractor', such that it is now a criminal offence to describe oneself as a chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is the largest and longest established association for chiropractors in the UK and represents approximately 70% of the practitioners working in the UK. In addition to supporting its members, the BCA works closely with GPs and the NHS to foster relationships and develop understanding of chiropractic among health care professionals and national health care bodies.

Acute

Of short duration and relatively severe.

Adjustment

The process of using a specific force to a joint that is fixated.

Adrenal Glands

Two ductless glands above the kidneys.

Arthritis

A general term referring to a condition of the joints. Literally it refers to an inflammation of the joints.

Atlas

The uppermost and most freely movable bone in the spine.

Backache

Low back pain can often be traced back to spinal malfunction and nervous system interference.

Biomechanics

The application of mechanical laws to living structures.

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Cervical

The vertebrae of the neck, usually seven bones.

Chiropractic

The science of locating offending spinal structures and reducing their impact to the nervous system.

Chronic

Persisting for a long time.

Degeneration

A wear and tear phenomena. When the joints of the body wear out it is known as a degenerative joint disease.

Disc

A cartilage that separates spinal vertebrae, absorbs shock to the spine and protects the nervous system.

Fixation

An area of the spine or specific joint with restricted movement.

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Health

A state of optimal physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

Herniation

A condition of the intervertebral disc whereby some of the material that makes up the disc shifts to a position that irritates the nearby nerve for that spinal area. (A.K.A. a "slipped disc").

Intervertebral Disc

The soft tissue found between the bones of the spinal column that help to cushion the spine from everyday stress. Through improper posture, discs can wear out (degenerate) and lead to disc herniation.

Joint

The area between two bones where movement occurs. If movement is abnormal, pain and degeneration may occur.

Joint Dysfunction

A condition whereby the joints of a particular area are not moving properly.

Lumbar

The vertebrae of the lower back, usually five bones.

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Manipulation

A form of manual therapy applying forces to muscles, joints and bones, with the goal of restoring normal motion of the joint and elimination of associated pain.

Manual Therapy

To work with one's hands.

Massage

The application (usually by hand) of systematic stroking or manipulation to the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes.

Nerves

The extensions branching off the brain and spinal cord carrying information to all parts of the body.

Nervous System

The communication system of the body.

Palpation

A diagnostic technique in which the hands are used to make a physical examination of a part of the body.

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Range of Motion

The range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which a joint can be moved.

Sacrum

The triangular bone at the base of the spine.

Sciatic Nerve

The largest and longest nerve in the human body. It comes out of nerve roots in the lower spine and sacrum.

Sciatica

Sciatic pain caused by a disk in the lower pressing on the sciatic nerve.

Spinal Column

Is made up of 24 small bones called vertebrae, 7 in the neck, 12 in the mid-back and 5 in the lower back. When viewed from the side the spine forms an 'S' shape.

Spinal Cord

The extension of the brain containing 31 pairs of spinal nerves that communicate with the body as a whole. The spinal cord is protected by the spinal column.

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Thoracic

The part of the spinal column from the base of the neck to about six inches above the waistline.

Vertebra

Any of the individual bones of the spinal column.

Vertebral Subluxation Complex

A five-part spinal problem comprising of problems with vertebra motion, nervous system, and muscle and soft issue function, resulting in abnormal function of the spine and body.

Whiplash

An injury to the spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion, either backward, forward or sideways.

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•	www.gcc-uk.org
	The GCC is the statutory body regulating chiropractors in the UK.
•	www.mctimoney-chiropractic.org
	A gentle, non-invasive and whole-body style of chiropractic treatment that can be provided to both humans and animals.
•	www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk
	The British Chiropractic Association. The site contains information for chiropractors and patients alike.
•	www.natural-animal-health.co.uk
	Comprehensive information covering many of the complementary veterinary therapies available to horses, dogs and other animals.
•	Search for chiropractic Web sites
	Use Google to search the Web for more chiropractic Web sites.