100 Years of Chiropractic: Why That Matters More Than Ever

This week marks a major milestone for our profession: not only is it Chiropractic Awareness Week, but this year we’re celebrating 100 years of the British Chiropractic Association.

Since 1925, chiropractors across the UK have been helping people move better, live with less pain, and take back control of their health – long before MSK (musculoskeletal) health became the buzzword it is today.

And now, in 2025, it’s finally getting the attention it deserves. Back pain is one of the leading causes of work absence in the UK. Postural strain is rising across all age groups. And more people than ever are looking for evidence-led care that puts their quality of life first.

We think that’s a good thing. But we also think it’s a moment to ask a more important question:

If chiropractic is finally being recognised, what kind of chiropractic do people really need?

That’s what this week is about for us.

What Progress Looks Like

The Chiropractic profession has made huge strides in the last 100 years – not just in how it’s perceived, but in how it’s practiced.

At Sevenoaks Chiropractic Clinic, we believe that progress doesn’t mean making care more complicated. It means making it more honest, more personal, and more effective.

To us, real MSK progress means the following:

• Individualised care, not “cookie-cutter” treatment plans
• Ethical, transparent recommendations, not pressure-selling or fear-based recommendations
• Teaching people how to take care of their own body, not making them dependent on us

That’s why we’re proud to see the BCA pushing for chiropractors to gain Allied Health Professional (AHP) status. This is a major recognition that we adhere to the same standards of training and clinical value that apply to physios and osteopaths. It’s a step forward in showing the UK that good chiropractic care belongs right alongside other trusted healthcare professions.

But while the systems and labels evolve, our core approach doesn’t change. We’re here to give people the tools, insight, and support they need to move better, feel better, and stay better.

Real Solutions, Right Now

While the headlines focus on big systems and milestones, most people just want to feel better—today.

At Sevenoaks Chiropractic Clinic, that’s where we come in. Whether someone’s struggling with back pain, desk-related stiffness, or just not moving like they used to, we focus on practical changes that make a real difference.

Here are five small habits we often recommend that can have a big impact on musculoskeletal health:

• “Take a stand“: Prolonged sitting is one of the most common contributors to back pain. Set a timer to stand up or walk around every 30 minutes – even just for a minute or two.
• Get moving: You don’t need to train like an athlete. Even a short walk each dayeach day can improve circulation, posture, and joint health.
• Stretch out: Micro-movements matter. Shoulder rolls, neck stretches, or even just a few gentle seated twists can help offset long periods at a desk.
• Check your workspace: Your screen should be at eye level, your chair should support you, and your feet should be flat on the floor. Small adjustments like this can prevent longer-term stresses & strain.

These may sound simple… but in practice, these habits are the foundation of better movement, fewer flare-ups, and greater confidence in your body.

Here’s to the Next 100 Years

Chiropractic has come a long way in the last century: from the fringes of healthcare to a recognised profession, improving the lives of millions. We think that’s worth celebrating!

But at Sevenoaks Chiropractic Clinic, we’re also not here to dwell on the past. Instead, we’re focusing on what comes next: a future where people understand their bodies better, take control of their health earlier, and don’t wait for things to break down before taking action.

We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done: offering honest, personalised care that puts patients first. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or simply want to stay ahead of it, we’re ready when you are.