A PLYMOUTH chiropractor has helped write a bestseller about healthcare and is now planning to develop research at his city practice.

Dr Wayne Whittingham, of Mannamead Road's Plymouth Chiropractic Clinic, is one of 29 health professionals who have penned chapters in the book Abundant Health.

The paperback, published by Changing Habits, has been a hit in Australia and is now available in the UK.

Dr Whittingham has written a chapter entitled Evolving Wellness which explains how the western world is now going through a 'wellness revolution' which involves people making choices about their lifestyle which lead to them attaining good health.

Chiropractors diagnose, treat and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.

Dr Whittingham is passionate about highlighting the role chiropractors can play in helping people stay healthy.

He is keen to expand his business by carrying out more research and working closely with NHS professionals.

Dr Whittingham said the British public has yet to fully catch on to the benefits of chiropractic, with just 10 percent of people having seen a chiropractor.

In countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, however, it's 30 percent, he said.

But he stressed the spine is one of the most important parts of the body and that 95 per cent of adults will have a spinal problem at some time in their life.

He said: "It's important to periodically have a check-up to see that your spine is all right.

"We are trying to keep people healthy in the first place, but by the time they consult us they may have had a problem for years."

He added: "Chiropractors aim to get to the source of a problem rather than just addressing their symptoms.

"Anyone with health problems should see a chiropractor to make sure it's not coming from their spine, just to rule it out."

Plymouth Chiropractic Clinic was set up by Dr Whittingham's father, Dr Ken Whittingham, in 1972.

All three children in the family became chiropractors, with sister Yvonne practising in Sweden and brother Bruce in Australia.

Dr Whittingham graduated in Australia and then became the first person in the world to attain a PhD in the treatment of headaches.

Dr Whittingham returned to the UK in 1997 to run his father's clinic.

Plymouth Chiropractic Clinic has expanded and now employs 11 people, besides Dr Whittingham, including four other chiropractors.

Dr Whittingham is about to embark on a research project with the Faculty of Health Education and Society, Plymouth University, in Derriford, pending a research grant.

Being a member of the Clinical Advisory Panel for the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, Dr Whittingham has assisted in the decision-making for the future direction of research.

He said: "These are very exciting times. With the advancement of technology, we can now understand the more far-reaching effects of chiropractic adjustments.

"The main thrust of research is now exploring how spinal adjustment not only affects the spine but also enhances brain activity, and boost immune responses.

"There is much more to chiropractic than treating back pain and headaches."

Dr Whittingham's new book is available at his clinic, in Mannamead Road, or at Waterstones' store in the Drake Circus mall where a book signing will take place on November 20.