Address
Adjustments
How does it work?
Spinal joints that are “locked up,” fixated or not moving right can affect your health by “choking” or irritating nearby nerve tissue. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these areas. This helps restore nervous system integrity and can improve the healing process.
Chiropractic Adjustments Are Specific. Targeted. Focused.
There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Sometimes the doctor’s hands deliver a quick, highly accurate thrust. Or an instrument directs repeatable force to a fixated spinal joint.
Other times a slow, constant pressure is used. Some chiropractic doctors use special tables with moving sections. Several areas of the spine may be adjusted, or just one.
The key is to use the precise amount of energy. At the exact spot. In the right direction. At just the right time, to get spinal joints moving again. Chiropractic is truly an art. Your chiropractic doctor has become a master at one or more adjusting techniques.
Just about anyone can be adjusted. Newborns, infants, children, seniors and even failed back surgery patients can benefit. Naturally, your doctor tailors your chiropractic care to your size, age and unique health problem.
With the intent of reducing nervous system irritation, chiropractic adjustments are specific. Targeted. Focused. And more precise than spinal “manipulations” or “mobilization.” It is this precision, combined with the purpose of reducing nervous system irritation, that has helped many people.
What do adjustments feel like?
After the brief thrust, many patients report a sense of well-being or a feeling of calmness. Others feel improved mobility. Inflammation or muscle spasms may delay these positive effects. Chiropractic doctors excel at making adjustments comfortable and effective.
Are adjustments safe?
Yes. A New Zealand government study concluded that chiropractic adjustments are “remarkably safe.” Taking an over the counter pain reliever is about 100 times more risky.
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
What makes the sound?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gase and fluids in the joint shift. It’s like opening a soda can or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
Can I adjust myself?
No. Some patients can make their joints “pop” but that’s not an adjustment! Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.