Chiropractic adjustments help improve your posture and overall health. Misalignments in the spine lead to a number of issues including pain, stiffness, and even headaches.
You might hear a popping or cracking sound during your adjustment, but it’s not bones breaking; it’s gasses being released in the joint. This is normal and a sign that the treatment is working.
How It Works
During spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustments, the chiropractor uses controlled force to manually move spinal joints that are stuck and are not moving properly. This restores movement to the joint, reduces pressure on nerves and the rest of the musculoskeletal system, alleviates pain, improves function and enhances the body’s ability to heal.
Chiropractors use a variety of adjusting techniques that are based on science, biomechanics and neurology. They also apply a blend of other manual treatments, including mobilization, soft tissue massage, stretching, and muscle energy technique.
A chiropractic adjustment usually starts with the patient lying down on a padded table. The chiropractor then moves the neck, head and shoulders into various positions to gain access to a specific joint or group of joints. Depending on the condition, the chiropractor may use basic diagnostic tools like diagnostic thermography which uses infrared scanning to locate sites of nerve weakness. This technology looks for the telltale signature of heat that radiates from weakened, irritated or compressed nerves.
Once the chiropractor finds an area to treat, they perform a manual manipulation of the affected joints using their hands or with instruments. Sometimes this can cause a cracking sound similar to cracking your knuckles. This is because of the release of trapped gases in the joints, mainly oxygen and nitrogen. This is a good sign that the spinal adjustment worked and that there is no further injury to the joint or surrounding muscles.
In addition to restoring proper movement to the joints, chiropractic adjustments can also restore correct alignment to regular adjustments can relieve minor discomforts. This can help alleviate many conditions, from pain and stiffness to digestive issues and insomnia.
Chiropractors know that a healthy spine is crucial for overall well-being, and they promote regular adjustments as part of a wellness plan to keep patients happy and healthy. They also recommend at-home measures such as daily stretches, ergonomic adjustments and incorporating yoga into your life. While these self-care efforts are important, they should never be a replacement for visiting a chiropractor who can provide targeted care and help you live your best life.
What to Expect
Before you make an appointment for an adjustment, ask your chiropractor what to expect. The first thing they will likely recommend is to take your shoes off, and they may also have you lie down on a table with a padded surface. They will then move, twist and manipulate your neck, back, arms and legs to restore normal spinal alignment. Your spine is a nerve center, and misalignments can interfere with messages sent from the brain to the rest of your body. Adjustments can restore alignment, allowing the free flow of messages and eliminating pain and dysfunction.
It is possible to feel some discomfort or pain after an adjustment, but it should only be brief. This is because your muscles are used to supporting your joints in a different way than they will be after an adjustment, and they will need some time to adapt. Occasionally, you might hear a cracking sound or sensation, similar to popping your knuckles, but this isn’t the bones cracking; it’s the release of gasses in joint spaces.
A good chiropractor will also use soft-tissue therapy and other methods to ease muscle tension, reduce spasms and encourage blood flow to areas of the body that are experiencing pressure or tightness. Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, your chiropractor might also suggest exercises, stretches and other treatment options to promote healing after the treatment.
After your adjustments, it’s important to drink plenty of water and eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods. You will likely need to visit the bathroom more frequently as your body releases toxins that were stored in your digestive system from the misalignments.
Taking regular, light exercise can also help stimulate blood flow and accelerate the healing process. This can be as simple as a walk, swim or bike ride, but you should check in with your chiropractor to get some guidelines on what is safe for your body post-treatment.
Patients who have certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or spinal cord compression, should not undergo spinal manipulation. Similarly, people who have had recent spine surgery or have a herniated disc should obtain clearance from their medical doctor before receiving an adjustment.
How Long It Lasts
The length of time that adjustments last depends on a variety of factors. The severity of pain, the goals of treatment, and the chiropractor’s techniques all play a role in how long benefits last. For example, a patient experiencing severe back pain might need a more aggressive treatment plan and may need adjustments less frequently than someone who is looking to maintain spinal health with regular visits.
How the patient acts during the adjustment also plays a significant role in how long benefits last. When a patient tenses up, it can cause the joints to splint and limit movement. This can reduce the effectiveness of the adjustment and even make the problem worse. It is therefore important to take deep breaths and relax during the manipulation. This will not only increase comfort, but the results of the adjustment can be maintained longer as well.
In addition, a good night’s sleep also aids in the longevity of chiropractic adjustments. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night helps the body repair muscles and tissues, reduce inflammation, and produce hormones that promote relaxation and decrease muscle spasms. Proper sleeping posture is also important to ensure that the spine stays aligned while you sleep. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or side as this places too much pressure on the spine and can reduce the effects of a chiropractic adjustment.
A healthy diet, proper lifting techniques, and adequate water intake all contribute to the longevity of chiropractic adjustments. It is especially important to drink plenty of water after an adjustment as it improves joint lubrication and assists the body in flushing out the toxins released during the treatment.
Poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle also undermine the effects of chiropractic adjustments. When your spine and neck are in a misaligned position, it can force your body to work harder to perform tasks and can leave you feeling drained throughout the day. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help to correct these imbalances and restore proper alignment, allowing the nervous system to operate more efficiently and enhance your immune response.
Cost
Affordability is a key consideration, especially for those who don’t have insurance. Many chiropractic clinics offer a variety of payment plans that break up the cost of adjustments over a specific period of time, which can be helpful for those who are unable to afford chiropractic care upfront. Others may choose to skip insurance altogether, and this can sometimes result in a lower rate per adjustment.
The cost of a chiropractic adjustment depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the problem and how severe it is. Acute injuries or chronic conditions, such as sciatica, typically require more frequent chiropractic adjustments to help manage pain and inflammation, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Your chiropractor will recommend visits at regular intervals until your symptoms stabilize, and then can gradually lower the frequency of treatments.
Injuries or spinal misalignments that cause poor posture can lead to reduced mobility and musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractic care can address the root causes of these issues, restoring proper balance and reducing the risk of injury in the future. Achieving better posture can also enhance confidence and self-esteem.
Spinal alignment influences the nervous system’s ability to function optimally. This can improve muscle coordination, speed up reflexes, and encourage a faster body response to infection or illness. A properly functioning nervous system is also important for boosting the immune system and helping your body fight infections and illnesses more effectively.
Chiropractic adjustments can provide relief from a wide range of conditions, from migraines and tension headaches to joint problems and recurring back pain. These benefits can help people of all ages and lifestyles, from students to senior citizens. Regular chiropractic care can even help alleviate the pain of fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and sciatica.
A chiropractic adjustment is a safe and effective treatment option for most patients. However, it is not a cure-all for all medical issues, and you should always follow your chiropractor’s recommendations regarding post-treatment care. This could include exercise or stretches, workstation ergonomic improvements, and activities to avoid that might aggravate your condition. This can ensure your progress and optimize the benefits of your chiropractic adjustments.
