What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments are the foundation of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors use adjustments to correct misalignments of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) or restrictions in the normal movement of the joints of the body.  In other words, something is either out of place or it isn't moving properly.  These conditions may put pressure on or irritate nerves and blood vessels in the spine and cause musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

Adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, involve the use of a certain amount of controlled force, applied in a specific direction, to a joint that is not moving properly. Adjustments are usually carried out manually by the doctor, or by using an instrument. Chiropractic adjustments help return your vertebrae to their natural position and range of motion, with the goal of restoring health and normal functioning. In addition to restoring joint mobility, adjustments can also allow healing of tissue injuries involving inflammation and pain.

Before carrying out an adjustment, your doctor of chiropractic will thoroughly evaluate your case, discuss your health history with you, perform a physical examination, and recommend diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays) if necessary. During the adjustment procedure itself, you may be lying down on a specially designed chiropractic table. Your chiropractor will apply the adjustment in a controlled, sudden manner, restoring the joint's normal range of motion.

Adjustments may be used to treat back pain, neck pain, or pain in other areas of the body such ass arms, legs, and shoulders. The procedure rarely causes pain; however if there is recent trauma or if you are new to chiropractic medicine there may be some discomfort. The popping and cracking noises that occur during adjustments are due to the release of gas bubbles between the joints, and these sounds are perfectly normal. It is a similar phenomenon as when knuckles are cracked.

In many cases, chiropractic care is all that is needed to treat a certain kind of problem, such as lower back pain. However, adjustments may be complemented by other medical treatment if concurrent conditions are present.

If you're suffering from some aches and pains, call our office today to make an appointment:  317-600-3070.