Today marks the start of Chiropractic Awareness Week 2025. This year we honour a century of dedication, innovation, and professionalism as we celebrate 100 years of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA).
For a hundred years, chiropractors across the UK have transformed lives by providing expert musculoskeletal care (MSK), helping individuals lead healthier, more active lives. This milestone is not only a celebration of our heritage but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the future.
Commenting on this momentous occasion, BCA President, Tim Button, said:
"This year’s theme 'A century of care: honouring chiropractic's legacy while shaping its future’ captures the spirit of both reflection and aspiration. This week we will recognise the generations of chiropractors who have contributed to our proud heritage while looking ahead to the possibilities of what we can achieve together in the decades to come."
Interested to learn more about the history of chiropractic and the BCA?
Click here and visit our online exhibition.
Chiropractic Awareness Week is a time to showcase the profound impact of our profession, and how we contribute to the broader healthcare community. It’s a chance to raise awareness of the vital role chiropractic plays in offering people informed choices for their health and wellbeing.
Today, MSK conditions are one of the leading causes of work absences in the UK. With long waiting times up to 24 weeks, our profession has the potential to make a meaningful difference. As chiropractors, we could help reduce these waiting lists, treating as many as 200,000 additional patients annually. This would not only lead to shorter wait times but also enable people to return to work sooner, with an estimated annual productivity gain for the UK of up to £399 million. Read the BCA's Latest Health Economics Report here.
Nick Hex, Director of the York Health Economics Associate (the researchers behind the report), said:
“Our Health Economics Report is the most extensive report to our knowledge that dissects whether chiropractors can deliver equivalent treatment to their similar MSK care counterparts, and the economic impact of doing so. We did not find any evidence to suggest chiropractors could not deliver equal results to those currently on the AHP list. Rather, our findings suggest that the benefits to the UK economy could be substantial, capable of reducing the burden on the NHS by over 100,000 appointments every year. Which directly aligns with the Government's healthcare objectives of moving more care into the community.”
As the largest body of regulated chiropractors in the UK, we stand as a collective force for progress, quality, and trust. Together, we aim to pioneer advancements in person-centred care, continuing a culture of continuous learning, and advocate for chiropractic as a cornerstone of mainstream healthcare.
Looking ahead, the growing capacity of the chiropractic profession could further enhance its impact. By 2028, the value of potential annual productivity gains from quicker recovery times and return-to-work initiatives could reach £873 million. These achievements reinforce the importance of our work and our dedication to supporting the health and productivity of the nation.
This week, we celebrate our shared achievements and invite you and your patients to join us in looking ahead. Because as proud as we are of our past, we are even more ambitious about the future.
Here’s to 100 years of excellence and to shaping the next century of chiropractic care.
BCA Members can access our dedicated Chiropractic Awareness Week resources here, including information on how to take part in this year's BCA fundraising initiative, the BCA Challenge 100.