When back pain drives Nigerians to Chiropractors
As chiropractic care gains popularity, limited oversight and unclear regulation might leave patients exposed to risk.
In Nigeria, musculoskeletal disorders are becoming a widespread urban health concern, so much so that chiropractors are popping up everywhere. A 2025 survey of physiotherapists revealed that nearly 70 percent of patients reported low back pain within the previous 12 months, while neck and joint issues were also common. Studies among allied healthcare workers, including dentists and nurses, indicate that more than half experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders, largely associated with prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, and occupational stress.
Access to orthopaedic care and physiotherapy remains limited and costly for many Nigerians. Public hospitals often have long waiting times, while private treatment is concentrated in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja. These limitations have contributed to growing interest in alternative treatments, particularly chiropractic care, which offers spinal adjustments, posture correction, and manual therapy as non-surgical options. Chiropractic clinics are increasingly visible across metropolitan hubs, signalling a shift in how Nigerians approach musculoskeletal treatment.
Yet, as the number of clinics expands, questions about regulation and patient safety remain. According to the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTB), only four chiropractors and two osteopaths are officially registered. Meanwhile, independent directories list 28 practitioners nationwide as of October 2025, with 16 operating in Lagos alone. This disparity suggests either growing demand or a widening regulatory gap, leaving patients uncertain about the qualifications of the practitioners they consult.
Understanding chiropractic care in Nigeria
Chiropractic is a health discipline focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly spinal alignment, through manual techniques such as spinal manipulation, joint mobilisation, and posture correction. In countries with established regulatory frameworks, chiropractors complete years of professional academic training, clinical internships, and licensing examinations before practising.
In Nigeria, chiropractic remains relatively unfamiliar outside wellness communities in urban centres. Most patients learn about chiropractic through personal recommendations, online advertising, gym networks, or anecdotal testimonials rather than hospital referrals.
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The profession is often loosely associated with physiotherapy, massage therapy, or alternative medicine, despite having its own scope of practice and training requirements. This blurred public perception contributes to regulatory confusion and leaves many patients uncertain about the standards governing their care.
Regulatory gaps and patient safety concerns
The MRTB is the statutory regulator for rehabilitation professions in Nigeria. By law, chiropractors must hold a valid practising licence from the Board. Clinics advertising spinal manipulation services without proof of licensure may therefore be operating outside legal boundaries. Despite this requirement, many facilities do not publicly display evidence of registration, leaving patients to rely on reputation rather than verified credentials when choosing care providers.
Weak oversight exposes patients to risk. Without consistent enforcement, there is limited assurance that practitioners have the training necessary to perform spinal manipulation safely or that clinics maintain hygiene and operational standards. Patients who experience adverse outcomes may face difficulties establishing responsibility or pursuing legal remedies.
Industry representation is also inconsistent. The Association of Chiropractic and Osteopathic Practitioners of Nigeria (ACOPN) claims more than 500 members across all 36 states. While this suggests a rapidly expanding sector, it conflicts with the small number of chiropractors officially registered with the MRTB, highlighting a central challenge for the profession: legitimacy versus visibility.
For Nigerians to benefit safely from chiropractic services, regulatory clarity must improve. Enforcing licensure, mandating continuing professional education, and maintaining a transparent public registry of approved practitioners are essential to protect patients. Until oversight strengthens, those seeking relief from chronic back and joint pain navigate a landscape that mixes hope with uncertainty.
The growing popularity of chiropractic care highlights an urgent need for public education, professional accountability, and clear government enforcement, ensuring that alternative musculoskeletal treatments expand access to care rather than expose patients to avoidable risks.
