How Do Neck Adjustments Work?
By now, everyone has some concept of what a chiropractic adjustment of the neck looks like, but do you understand how it works?
Chiropractors don’t actually “crack” bones when performing a chiropractic adjustment. To understand, you first have to understand what is being treated during an adjustment and the meaning behind a “subluxation.”
What Is A Subluxation?
Injury, repetitive trauma, or chronic postural habits result in segments of the spine being traumatized. Whether quickly or over long periods of time, the result is the same. One or more spinal segments suffer from inflammation due to the condition.
Swelling causes the spinal segment to misalign slightly, altering its motion and mobility. Adding to the problem, muscles spasm and shorten to adapt to this new position.
With continued activity and lack of mobility, gases that are usually pumped from the associated joints build, furthering the problem. All of these processes add up to compression on surrounding nerves. Those nerves initially produce increased pain, while over time, lowering the function of all organs attached.
This entire cycle is known to chiropractors as the “Vertebral Subluxation Complex,” or “Subluxation,” for short. While the actual definition of subluxation is a “partial dislocation,” for chiropractors it has come to represent the entirety of this disease process.
By carefully tensioning the affected joints and applying a short amplitude, high-velocity thrust to the spinal segment, the gases are released from the joint, and mobility is restored.
So, the “crack” that a patient hears and feels, is nothing more than the sound generated by the collapse of waste gases that have been trapped like a wedge in the spinal joints. Generally, adjunct therapies like electric muscle stimulation, heat, or ice are used to address all aspects of the “subluxation.”
Why Does Chiropractic Feel Good?
Following an adjustment, the body releases endorphins into the bloodstream. The combined release of muscle tension, improvement in mobility, and endorphin rush make you feel great!
Are Neck Adjustments Safe?
No medical procedure is 100% without risk. However, neck adjustments, when performed correctly, are safe. It’s important to emphasize,”…if done correctly!”
Browsing the internet is sure to scare off many from the benefits of a good adjustment. You will see everything from straps to mallets and from extreme twists to bearhugs and yanks! None of which are how it was taught in chiropractic colleges and universities.
Appropriate neck adjustments are only performed after the patient has been pre-screened for contraindications to adjustments. Once carefully examined, the doctor applies very specific, controlled movements to mobilize cervical spinal segments with minimal force and with expert speed. Precautions are taken to ensure the neck is positioned in the safest position possible.
Over time, some practitioners can get creative with their technique sometimes resulting in a less safe application. Other times, untrained providers attempt to manipulate joints, without the appropriate skill and level of training. This is where things can go wrong.
Chiropractic is used by other medical providers regularly. Neurosurgeons are often chiropractors’ best colleagues when it comes to referrals. In fact, many neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons get adjusted regularly.
“In my neurological practice, fortunately, most of my patients with spine complaints leave the office with a prescription for conservative treatments rather than surgery. These can include physiotherapy, traction, massage, ultrasound, injections, and chiropractic therapy – all designed to relieve pain, recondition the body, and restore posture and quality of life. – Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS, clinical professor and vice chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery and Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Can I Do A Self Neck Adjustment?
Trying to adjust your own neck at home can be risky. While the chances of severe injury are minimal, repetitious twisting of your own neck can cause laxity in the supporting ligaments of the cervical spine. This leads to a habitual cycle that causes instability, frequent feelings of discomfort, and a sensation of needing “cracked” more often. furthermore, microtraumas over time may, in fact, damage cervical discs, leading to bulging or disc herniation.
Chiropractors are trained on the exact neck position and techniques that make neck adjustments safe. When adjustments and manipulations are performed by someone who hasn’t been properly trained, injuries can happen.
My advice is to seek a trained chiropractor or osteopath if you feel a neck adjustment is something that may benefit you. Self-adjusting is never recommended. If you turn your head and something “pops,” that’s not a problem. If you have to force your neck in any direction, you could be causing damage.
How Often Can Chiropractic Adjustments Be Performed On The Neck?
The frequency of neck adjustments varies for each individual and depends on your specific health conditions. Chiropractors typically tailor their recommendations based on the patient’s needs, symptoms, and response to a trial of treatment. Some individuals may benefit from more frequent adjustments initially, while others may find relief with only 1 or 2 treatments.
Regular communication with your chiropractor and adherence to their personalized care plan is crucial to ensure safe and effective neck adjustments. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the suitable frequency of neck adjustments based on your unique health situation.