Chiropractic

Overview

A Chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which a trained specialist (hopefully a chiropractor) uses their hands to apply a controlled, high velocity, low amplitude force to a spinal or extremity joint. The goal of this procedure is to improve segmental joint motion and improve the way your body moves by allowing it to share motion equally throughout the global musculoskeletal system. A tight or restricted joint has the potential to cause pain, headaches, or an imbalanced sensation.

Benefits

Low back pain, neck pain and headaches are the most common problems for which people seek chiropractic adjustment. In our office, we also use a chhiropractic adjustment to increase movement in areas that aren't moving optimally. Once these joint segments are moving correclty, your body will move and feel better.

Risks

Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective when performed by someone trained and licensed to perform chiropractic care. It takes many years of training to learn the complexities of a proper adjustment and most chiropractors are trained to know when and when not to adjust. The technique is such a powerful tool for rehabilitation that many PTs, DOs, and ATCs take weekend courses to try to harness and use this highly effective technique. 

Our exam will tell us when an adjustment is appropriate for you or not. In fact, because we provide so many other therapy options, a chiropractic adjustment may not be warranted for you. However, in general you shouldn't seek a chiropractic adjustment if you have:

• Severe osteoporosis
• Multiple spinal surgeries
• Cancer in your spine
• An increased risk of stroke or if you are experiencing stroke symptoms
• A known bone or brain abnormality in the neck or skull

What to Expect

At your initial visit, we will ask questions about your health history and perform a very thorough physical exam to determine if an adjustment would help you or not. We always explain our findings to try and give you the best information so you can decide if this type of treatment is right for you.

During the procedure

During our adjustments, we will often place you either on your back or side so we can access the area to be manipulated. We then use our hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to the joint in question, pushing it beyond its paraphysiological range of motion under normal conditions. You may hear popping or cracking sounds which should come with almost immediate relief.

After the procedure

Some people experience minor side effects for a day or so after a chiropractic adjustment. This most often include some minor soreness in the parts of the body that were treated.

Results

Chiropractic adjustment are effective in treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other spine related conditions. Receiving care from a chiroractor can be one of the most effective, drug free alternatives to traditional methods on pain and injury management.

Not everyone responds to chiropractic adjustments. A lot depends on your particular situation. If your symptoms don't begin to improve after a few treatments, chiropractic adjustment might not be the best option for you.