Musculoskeletal Health: Chiropractors

Lord Lexden Excerpts

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is absolutely right to highlight the extent of the impact of MSK conditions not just on individuals but on our economy and our health service. However, to extend my earlier comments, chiropractic care is regarded as being in the category of complementary and alternative medicines. Some treatments have an evidence base that is not recognised by the majority of independent scientists, whereas others have been proven to work for a limited number of conditions. I appreciate the point that the noble Baroness is making, but probably the simplest way I would wrap it up is in talking of sufficient and reliable evidence, because that is what NHS commissioning at a national level is based upon.

[Lord Lexden (Con)]

My Lords, is it not the case that chiropractic treatment is included in the World Health Organization’s guidance on MSK conditions? Will the Government keep that guidance clearly in mind as they work, as I am sure they will be working, to develop a better approach to helping people with these painful conditions?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am glad that the noble Lord acknowledges the ongoing work, because we are indeed exploring how best to support dealing with MSK conditions—not least to encourage and provide greater parity in the support that is given. That will be alongside the 10-year plan and the long-term workforce plan. Of course, we keep all evidence continually under review.