Many people have questions about spinal adjustments. At CostaSpine we believe that education is one of the most important treatment tools we have. So we have chosen some of the most common questions we get day to day to answer for you.
WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific, controlled force in a precise direction that is applied to a spinal joint not moving properly or “locked up.” The purpose of this is to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
For the patient, this means improved spinal function, reduction in pain, and an overall improvement in health and wellness.
DO CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS HURT?
Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort because minimal force and gentle pressure are used. Therefore for most patients, chiropractic adjustments are painless. Some patients who are new to chiropractic treatments may involuntarily stiffen or resist the adjustment and feel a small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during treatment. Any reported discomfort after an initial adjustment has been described as similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program.
ARE THE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS SAFE?
Chiropractic care is recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of back and neck problems. Spinal adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor.
WHY DO ADJUSTMENTS SOMETIMES MAKE A POPPING SOUND?
The popping sounds that you hear are your joints releasing bubbles of air that have been built up. A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones of either side of a joint, it does affect the soft tissue of the associated joints however.
ARE ALL PATIENTS ADJUSTED THE SAME WAY?
At CostaSpine each patient is seen as unique. Therefore each adjustment and treatment is customized to meet their specific condition that you present with. Your adjustment type is determined by your size, weight, age and health status.
CAN I ADJUST MYSELF?
No. This is dangerous. Chiropractic adjustments need to be performed by a skilled professional. Often those who adjust themselves are affecting the joints that are already in good health. They therefore are not able to affect the joints that actually require the adjustment. Overtime if performed incorrectly this may lead to instability within the spine and cause further pain in the future.
WHAT TYPES OF CONDITIONS DO CHIROPRACTORS USE ADJUSTMENTS FOR?
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, legs, feet • Headaches • Sciatica • Injuries and trauma to the body such as whiplash • Scoliosis
- Leg pain and nerve disorders
- Sports injuries and musculoskeletal injuries such as tennis elbow, strained muscles, sprained joints and ligaments
- Repetitive strain disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
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