Can I see a chiropractor on the NHS?

Chiropractic treatment is considered to be a complementary therapy, which means that it is not usually available on the NHS. Although complementary therapies are gradually becoming more widely available on the NHS, you may not be able to get chiropractic treatment in your area.

As well as deciding what health services a local community needs and providing funding for them, your local clinical commissioning group (CCG) is responsible for deciding whether or not chiropractic treatment is available on the NHS.

Find your local CCG.

Finding a chiropractor

If you think that you would benefit from chiropractic treatment, contact your GP or local CCG to check if it's available on the NHS in your area. If it is not available, your GP may refer you to a chiropractor for private treatment, or you can arrange to see a private chiropractor yourself. If you have private health insurance, your insurance company may pay for chiropractic treatment, but you will need a referral letter from your GP.

Most people who have chiropractic treatment pay privately to see a chiropractor. You do not need to see your GP or get a referral letter before arranging an appointment for private treatment, although it's best to see your GP for advice first.

Chiropractic treatments usually range from £30-45 for a session. The number of sessions you will need to have will depend on your medical history and the severity of any health conditions you may have.

If you decide to contact a chiropractor yourself for private treatment, make sure that they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). By law, all chiropractors must be registered with the GCC. Registered chiropractors will have undergone the required training and will be fully insured to practice.

You can search the GCC register to find a chiropractor in your local area.

Further information:

Page last reviewed: 26/02/2025

Next review due: 30/01/2025