A Beginner’s Guide to Chiropractic Adjustments

A chiropractor, trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal system problems, helps assure that your days are pain-free. While a chiropractor’s main focus is on the spine, attention is also paid to cartilage, muscles, tendons, bones, and joints.

It is common for people to visit a chiropractor to get relief from

• neck pain
• chest pain
• headaches
• lower back pain
• pain in the joints of the arms or legs

Subluxation, or a slight misalignment of the vertebrae, is a cause of many health problems. Therefore, it is a focal point of chiropractic treatment.

The goal of chiropractic manipulation is to reduce nerve irritability, increase range of motion, and improve function. This type of treatment is also a safe and effective option for pain management.

How exactly does it work?

Understanding Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractors perform manipulation, or adjustment, to improve the body’s physical function. For this procedure, chiropractors apply sudden, controlled force to a spinal joint. Often they use their hands. Sometimes, they might use a small instrument instead. The amount of force used varies according to the type of treatment needed.

The chiropractor will ask questions about your health history during the first exam. They will also examine your spine and possibly take x-rays of your spine.

Most people find that their health problem improves after six to 10 visits to a chiropractor. No special preparation is needed for these visits, which are covered by many health insurance plans.

What to Expect from the Procedure Itself

Usually, you lay down on a padded chiropractic table during the manipulation. They may adjust the table throughout to put you in determined positions to treat affected areas. Alternatively, they may ask you to sit on the table or stand next to it.

The chiropractor will use his or her hands (or a small tool) to move your joints. Expect them to treat your neck, shoulders, and back, as well as any other areas that need treatment.

He or she may also offer additional treatments such as:

• relaxation techniques – learn to relax muscles even during stressful times
• dietary management – how an improved diet can help back pain
• electrical stimulation – electrodes send light electrical pulses to stop muscle spasms, relieve back pain, and reduce inflammation
• heat and cold – a heating pad and an ice pack are applied alternately to promote faster healing
• massage – applied to soft tissues to reduce swelling and inflammation and improve circulation
• exercises – often focus on strengthening and stretching the back

Does Spinal Manipulation Work?

In general, research shows that people are pleased with the results of their spinal manipulation. They view the treatment as a positive experience, and they report reduced pain after treatment.

According to the National Center For Complementary and Integrative Health, there are two reasons that people use spinal manipulation:

• 67 percent use it to treat a specific health condition, and
• 53 percent use it for wellness.

If you are just learning about spinal manipulation, you may have questions about chiropractors as well. What makes someone a chiropractor? Is it legitimate?

Doctors of chiropractic, who complete four-year doctoral graduate school programs, are regulated by state licensing boards. Their drug-free approach to health care has gained a loyal following over the decades.

It’s important to remember the effects of musculoskeletal disorders on general health. If you don’t take care of back pain and related problems, your overall health is at risk. Treatment that is used for wellness makes continued good health likely.

About the Author:

Dr. Singer has been a practicing chiropractor for more than 20 years, and USA Health & Therapy has been around since 2004. Over the course of his career, Singer has helped tens of thousands of people with all kinds of issues by using a wide variety of treatment strategies. He has extensive knowledge of chiropractic modalities, including Gonstead, Diversified, Thompson Drop Table, and Activator, and in 1997 he earned a special adjunctive Chiropractic Certification in Spinal Trauma (CCST) to better provide care for car crash victims. Dr. Singer is licensed to practice chiropractic medicine in both Florida and New York.