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Testing for the certification of chiropractors took place last week, Thailand Chiropractic Association president Dr Oat Buranasombati said yester¬day.

Hong Kong was the first territory in Asia to officially issue licences to chiropractors.

Chiropractic treatment is the manipulation of the body, especially the spine, to relieve lowerback pain or headaches and high blood pressure.

"Spinal adjustment is like teeth adjustment. If there's a problem, adjustment is nec¬essary," Oat said.

He said "subluxation", or when one or more vertebrae move out of position and pres¬sure or irritate nerves, caused backache and pain in the shoulders and arms.

"Such symptoms are com¬mon among office workers and those who have to drive for long periods," Oat said.

Chiropractic treatment has been available in Thailand since 1993.

This alternative medicine has become increasingly pop¬ular but the number of prac¬titioners remains small.

Oat said there were 21 local and foreign chiropractors here - most in Bangkok and Pattaya.

"We want to start a chiro¬practic course at Rangsit University next year. We hope to recruit around 30 students," he said.

With more chiropractors more people will be encour¬aged to try the treatment, he said.

And that would reduce consultation costs, too.

A 30minute to 45minute session currently costs between Bt1,000 and Bt1,500. For serious problems patients may need eight to 12 weeks of treatment, he said.