Chiropractic adjustment

Overview

Chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal or joint manipulation, involves licensed specialists known as chiropractors using their hands or specialized instruments to apply a precise, controlled force to joints in the body. The primary goal of this procedure is to enhance spinal motion and improve overall physical function. Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pain, correct body alignment, and optimize physical functionality, serving as a complementary treatment to traditional medical care.

A chiropractor is a healthcare provider who treats a wide range of conditions pertaining to the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. They focus on alleviating pain and dysfunction related to muscles, bones, and joints. Chiropractic care is often sought for various types of pain, including headaches, lower back pain, muscle pain, and neck pain. Chiropractors use their expertise to diagnose and manage these conditions effectively.

In addition to addressing issues related to the spine, chiropractors are skilled in treating musculoskeletal pain throughout the body. This includes pain in areas such as the head, jaw, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, pelvis, knees, and ankles. By providing targeted treatments, chiropractors help patients achieve better mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

Chiropractic adjustments are intended to treat problems with the musculoskeletal system, although each patient has a different reason for visiting the chiropractor. Certain factors lead some people to select chiropractic adjustments:

• Arthritis.
• Frequent headaches.
• Healing following an accident or whiplash injury.
• Joint pain and dysfunction.
• Low back pain.
• Neck pain.
• Sciatica.
• Stiff muscles or muscle aches.

A chiropractor makes sure the surrounding muscles are working at their best as well as the joints move properly.

Avoid seeking chiropractic adjustment if you have any of the following conditions:

• Cancer affecting your spine
• Increased risk of stroke
• Known bone abnormality in the upper neck
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of strength in an arm or leg
• Severe osteoporosis

Risk

Chiropractic adjustment, when administered by a trained and licensed chiropractor, is generally considered safe. However, there are rare risks associated with this procedure, which may include:

• Worsening of a herniated disk
• Nerve compression in the lower spine
• Certain type of stroke after neck manipulation

If adjustments are made by someone who are not qualified and certified, you have an increased risk of suffering from side effects or complications. It is important that you receive treatment from just a qualified, licensed chiropractor.

Before the procedure

During your initial appointment, your chiropractor will review your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination focusing on your spine. If necessary, they may request diagnostic imaging tests to gain further insight into your musculoskeletal condition, which may include:

• X-rays.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Your chiropractor will develop a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms and the underlying cause of your pain, taking into account the findings of your diagnostic tests and examination.

During the procedure

During a chiropractic adjustment, your chiropractor will provide a personalized treatment based on your specific needs, often placing you in positions that target affected areas. Typically, patients lie face down on a specially designed, padded chiropractic table.

A chiropractor can apply a precise, controlled force to a joint to expand it beyond its normal range of motion by using manual techniques or small equipment. As a result, when the joints are moved throughout the session, you can hear popping or cracking sounds. This modification helps release trapped gasses in the joints and straighten the vertebrae.

Chiropractic adjustments usually result in just mild discomfort, similar to what one might experience after working out. It is not anticipated that the treatment would cause severe pain.

After the procedure

Following a chiropractic adjustment, you may experience mild soreness or slight aches in the treated areas, which typically resolve within 24 hours. Regular chiropractic patients rarely report these effects. Occasionally, individuals may also experience minor side effects such as headaches, fatigue, or localized discomfort for a few days post-adjustment.

Following your appointment, your chiropractor may suggest additional activities to complement your treatment, such as:

• Exercises and stretches
• Ergonomic adjustments to improve posture
• Icing or heat therapy, and topical analgesics
• Guidance on nutrition, diet, weight management, or general health
• Stress management techniques and muscle relaxation methods
• Electrical muscle stimulation using TENS

Outcome

Chiropractic adjustment has shown effectiveness in treating low back pain, with research indicating modest benefits comparable to more conventional treatments. Additionally, studies suggest that spinal manipulation may also be effective for alleviating headaches and other spine-related conditions, including neck pain.

Chiropractic adjustments offer numerous benefits, such as:

• Provide relief from migraines and neck-related headaches
• Enhance the posture
• Reducing pain and enhancing flexibility in the spine and other joints
• Reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like osteoarthritis
• Treating minor neck or spine injuries, including whiplash

Chiropractic adjustments might not work for everyone, as results can differ based on individual circumstances. If you don’t see improvement in your symptoms after a few weeks of treatment, chiropractic care might not be the right approach for you. It’s important to discuss any ongoing pain or discomfort with your healthcare provider, especially if it continues for more than three months. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms thoroughly and decide if further treatments or investigations are needed beyond chiropractic care.

If you undergo a chiropractic adjustment and experience unusual symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or worsening pain, it’s important to promptly contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.