Are Chiropractors Doctors? (UK, 2026)
Understanding Qualifications, Regulations and Titles in the UK
(Approx 3 minute read)
By Jessica Kenney DC, Doctor of Chiropractic
ARE CHIROPRACTORS DOCTORS IN THE UK?
In the UK, chiropractors hold a courtesy Dr title, similar to vets, dentists, osteopaths, PHD graduates and more. These are professions that have undertaken years of study to specialise in their field, but that field is not medicine.
This is different to the medical ‘Doctor’ title given to someone who has degrees in medicine. These Dr’s will be registered with the GMC (General Medical Council).
Are Chiropractors Doctors in the UK?
Yes and no. Chiropractors can use the courtesy title of ‘Dr’ in the UK, similar to vets and dentists. This is because of highly specialised musculoskeletal training, however it is not the same training as a medical Doctor and should be identified as such when using the title.
A courtesy “Dr” title and a medical doctor differ primarily in meaning and scope. In the UK, a courtesy Dr title is used by some professionals or academics (PHD graduates) to show a qualification or professional convention, but it does not indicate medical training or registration.
While both may legitimately use the title “Dr” in certain contexts, medical doctor status is a distinct and regulated role, and courtesy titles are expected to be clearly identified to avoid confusion.
How can you tell the difference between a courtesy Doctor and a Medical Doctor?
One way to tell the difference is to check how the title is presented. Courtesy doctors have to specify their qualification, for example “Doctor of Chiropractic” or “Dr Jane Smith, PhD.” Most courtesy Dr titles are 5 year specialist degrees with diagnosis training or PHDs.
Medical doctors in the UK are usually registered with the GMC, and their title may be followed by medical degrees such as MBBS, MBChB, or MD. They do not have to specify what their Dr title is from. A GP will have done a 5-6 year medical degree, 2 year foundation programme and 3 years of GP training.
What Qualifications Do Chiropractors Have in the UK?
In the UK, chiropractors must complete specific, regulated degrees before we are legally allowed to practise. Chiropractic is a statutorily regulated healthcare profession and a legally protected title.
The degrees combine academic study focused on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment techniques with extensive supervised clinical training.
Chiropractic Degrees and Training in the UK
Chiropractic degrees in the UK are 4 or 5 year full time Masters degrees and cover subjects such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, neurology and orthopaedics, diagnosis, molecular physiology, clinical assessment, musculoskeletal imaging, rehabilitation techniques, chiropractic techniques and patient management.
How Are Chiropractors Regulated in the UK?
After graduating, chiropractors must register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) to practise legally and use the protected title “chiropractor.” Registration requires meeting professional standards, maintaining appropriate insurance, and completing ongoing continuing professional development such a courses and group collaboration throughout their career.
How Can I Check If a Chiropractor Is Registered in the UK?
As all chiropractors are registered with the GCC, there is an online search function that you can use to check your practitioners registration details. By law, they must currently be on this register if they are using the term ‘chiropractor’ or say they are doing ‘chiropractic techniques’.
Use the GCC’s ‘Find a Chiropractor’ tool here.
Is it Illegal to Call Yourself a Chiropractor in the UK without Training?
Yes. In the UK, it is illegal to call yourself a chiropractor if you are not registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). The title “chiropractor” is protected by law, which means only those who have completed a recognised chiropractic degree and are officially registered with the GCC can legally use it.
This rule exists to protect the public and ensure that anyone calling themselves a chiropractor meets strict training, professional, and ethical standards. Using the title without registration can result in legal consequences, including fines or prosecution.
Even if someone has similar training or skills, they cannot legally advertise themselves as a chiropractor or perform chiropractic treatment under that title in the UK unless they are registered.
Chiropractor vs Medical Doctor in the UK
Many people wonder what the difference is between a chiropractor and a medical doctor, especially when both might use the title “doctor” in some form. While both are healthcare professionals, their training, scope of practice, and roles in the UK healthcare system are very different.
A chiropractor focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and nervous system. Chiropractors do have more training in the taking and reading of musculoskeletal (MSK) x-rays and musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment than a GP, but they cannot advise or prescribe on medication, or anything outside the MSK field.
Medical doctors, on the other hand, complete a medical degree followed by years of postgraduate clinical training. They are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and are legally authorised to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and work in hospitals and clinics across all areas of medicine.
In practice, chiropractors often work with patients who have musculoskeletal pain or movement issues, while medical doctors address broader health concerns, including illnesses, infections, chronic conditions, and emergencies.
Should I See a Chiropractor or a GP for Back Pain?
Either. If you have clinical concerns or presenting with any red flags of back pain such as infection, fracture, spinal cord injury then you need to be under the medical system but a chiropractor is trained in recognising this and referring you to your GP.
Chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists are usually better for ‘normal’ injuries such as sciatica, disc, joint irritation, muscle aches and pains. We recommend seeking out an individual that aligns with your goals and preferences as there is a huge variation within the professions and two chiropractors might work very differently, and a physio and a chiropractor might be more similar depending on the individuals.
Case triaging, diagnosis and management of a mid-back pain patient as a chiropractor:
If somebody presents with mid back pain, as a chiropractor, I am going to have 4 broad main questions when I’m investigating.
Is it functional musculoskeletal such as posture, lifestyle?
Is it structural musculoskeletal such as Scheuermann's disease, scoliosis, congenital malformations or variations etc?
It is musculoskeletal secondary to a health condition such as pathological fracture due to another condition affecting bone quality?
Is it not musculoskeletal at all, and in fact referred pain from an organ, such as gallbladder?
As a chiropractor, I know the line of questioning and assessment to identify, can refer for x-rays or MRI’s and diagnose musculoskeletal concerns, and when to refer back for further investigation with your GP. This is how each of those causes will be managed:
Functional MSK: This is a chiropractic case.
Structural MSK: This is usually a chiropractic case, although we will usually comanage and discuss with your GP about relevant NHS protocols.
Secondary MSK: This needs to be GP led, although we may be of some use for pain management with GP/consultant on board once they have investigated and diagnosed.
Visceral/Systemic Referral: This is purely GP led. We will do a letter of referral with our findings if you have presented to our clinic presenting in this manner.
Please note this is not case specific, and is a broad overview and not medical advice. Always speak to your practitioner regarding your own health.
Chiropractor vs Medical Doctor: Key Differences
In the UK, a GP is a medically trained doctor who can diagnose a wide range of conditions, prescribe medication, and provide general healthcare, having completed medical school, foundation training, and GP specialty training. A chiropractor specialises in musculoskeletal health, focusing on the spine, joints, and nervous system, and is trained through a chiropractic degree and supervised clinical practice. While both are regulated healthcare professionals, GPs have broad medical authority, whereas chiropractors provide specialist care within their scope.
A GP does not clarify where their Dr title is from. A chiropractor, or any courtesy titled Dr, must clarify where their title is from
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