What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a form of primary healthcare that focuses on the health of the body as a whole. Chiropractors focus on the function of the nervous system by directing treatments toward the alignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Chiropractic adjustments are the cornerstone of this practice, with chiropractors using their hands or specialized instruments to manipulate the spine, joints, and soft tissues of the body.
How does a chiropractic adjustment work?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind this healing technique and examine the benefits it offers.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor applies a controlled force to a specific area of the spine. This force may be applied in a sudden, swift motion (known as a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust) or a slow, sustained pressure.
The force can be applied by hand, or by a mechanical device and greatly depends on the nature of the injury and the expertise of the chiropractor.
What is a Misalignment?
A misalignment or, as chiropractors call it, a subluxation, occurs when repetitive trauma, posture, or injury causes swelling in or around a joint.
The related nerve is overstimulated, causing a muscle spasm in the area supporting the joint. The resulting inflammation and muscle spasm further inhibit mobility, thus causing a painful loop.
Chiropractic focuses on restoring joint function to interrupt this loop, giving you lasting pain relief. Because your body systems are so connected, other areas of the body can be affected by a subluxation elsewhere.
How Do Chiropractors Know Where To Adjust?
A chiropractor identifies where to adjust by performing a thorough assessment of the patient, including a physical examination and occasionally diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans.
The specific location of the adjustment will depend on the patient’s symptoms and the chiropractor’s findings during the examination.
Here are some of the methods a chiropractor may use to identify where to adjust:
- Patient History
- Physical Examination
- Palpation
- Motion Evaluation
- Diagnostic Testing or Imaging
How Does An Adjustment Work?
If applied correctly, an adjustment will cause the vertebrae to move slightly beyond their normal range of motion. This movement is accompanied by a popping or cracking sound, called a joint cavitation.
Joint Cavitation is simply the result of gas bubbles (carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases) being released from the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. As the gases are released, a popping sound occurs.
While the adjustment itself may only take a few seconds, the effects can last much longer. A chiropractic adjustment can reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension, as well as improve nerve function, circulation, and overall mobility.
What Happens During A Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractors are trained to apply a variety of techniques to accomplish an adjustment. The type of adjustment received depends on you’re specific needs and the doctor’s training.
Typically, you lie face down on a specialized chiropractic table that gives the practitioner the ability to move various regions of the spine with ease. Some specialized tables are specifically designed for the technique being used.
Chiropractors use their hands or a hand-held instrument to apply a quick, controlled force to the spine. This helps align the vertebra as a release of trapped gasses occurs as a mild “popping” sound. Gentle stretching or massage techniques may also be used to support the adjustment.
Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments?
Chiropractic adjustments are primarily used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. However, they can also be used to address a wide range of other health issues.
Here are just a few of the benefits of chiropractic adjustments:
- Reduced Pain and Inflammation: By restoring proper alignment to the spine, chiropractic adjustments can reduce pressure on nerves, muscles, and other tissues. This can relieve pain and inflammation, as well as improve overall function.
- Improved Range of Motion: When the spine is out of alignment, it can restrict movement and make everyday activities more difficult. Chiropractic adjustments can improve the range of motion and help patients move more freely.
- Better Posture: Poor posture can put undue stress on the spine and cause a wide range of problems. Chiropractic adjustments can help patients achieve better posture and reduce their risk of developing musculoskeletal issues.
- Headache Relief: Many headaches are caused by tension in the neck and upper back. By relieving this tension, chiropractic adjustments can provide significant relief to headache sufferers.
- Improved Immune Function: The nervous system plays a vital role in regulating the immune system. Chiropractic adjustments can improve nervous system function, which may in turn boost immune function.
Does A Chiropractic Adjustment Hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments cause very little discomfort. A minor residual soreness often remains for a few hours, however, most patients report significant relief almost immediately. Chiropractors apply a controlled amount of force or pressure to your joints, creating a cracking or popping noise as the gas is released from your joints.
If the idea of hearing such a release makes you anxious, there are alternative chiropractic methods that are gentler and don’t involve “cracking.” One such procedure is delivered by an instrument called a Pro-Adjuster. Learn more about the ProAdjuster here.
Chiropractic Adjustments Are Safe and Effective
Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and effective way to relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote overall health and wellness. While the mechanics of a chiropractic adjustment may seem somewhat mysterious, the benefits are clear.
By addressing misalignments in the spine and restoring proper function, chiropractic adjustments can be an essential tool for achieving optimal health.
If you are in pain and think you may have a condition that can be helped by chiropractic, schedule an appointment by calling us at Adjustments Chiropractic and Wellness. If this is your first visit to a chiropractor, visit our How To Become A New Patient Page for more information.
What Are The Side Effects Or Risks Of A Chiropractic Adjustment?
After a chiropractic adjustment, patients sometimes feel tired or sore. Rarely do patients experience a mild headache after a chiropractic adjustment. These side effects are temporary and most experience only relief and no negative effects.
In rare cases, chiropractic care has been blamed for serious complications such as:
- Vertebral Artery Dissection
- Fractured Ribs
While all medical procedures carry some inherent risk, the probability of experiencing a dangerous side effect is extremely low and is even less if you only receive adjustments from a trained and licensed professional such as a chiropractor. Never allow an unlicensed person to perform a spinal manipulation.
How Much Do Chiropractic Adjustments Cost?
The cost of chiropractic adjustments varies from state to state and among providers. The national average for a chiropractic adjustment is $75. The national average for an initial visit to a chiropractor, including treatment and examination is between $150 to $200.
In our office, prices are much lower. Check our our Simple, Affordable, and Transparent Pricing.
