August 29, 2023
Chiropractic adjustments have been used for over a century to help with various health issues. They effectively treat conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, and joint pain.
Find out how chiropractic adjustments work, what to expect during a session, and how often you may need treatment to improve your health and alleviate pain.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments are used to realign and restore proper joint motion, usually in the spine. They aim to correct misalignments, reduce nerve irritation, and alleviate associated pain.
Over time, chiropractic techniques have expanded to include neck, back, or spine adjustments and misaligned joints in the extremities.
What Is a Spinal Misalignment and What Causes It?
A spinal misalignment occurs when one or more vertebrae are not correctly positioned, potentially causing nerve irritation, inflammation, and pain. Several factors can contribute to misalignments, including:
- Injuries from accidents or falls
- Chronic muscle tension that pulls joints out of alignment
- Poor posture
- Repeated movements
- Genetic deformities like scoliosis
How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?
A chiropractor will gently move your misaligned or stiff vertebra to restore its proper motion and function during a chiropractic adjustment.
When the adjustment is performed, it may create a popping sound as the joint capsule experiences a pressure change and releases nitrogen gas. The release of pressure brings immediate pain relief and enhances movement and mobility in the adjusted area.
Chiropractic Adjustment FAQs
How Do Chiropractors Know Where to Adjust?
Chiropractors use different methods to determine where to adjust a patient’s spine. For example, they typically gather the patient’s medical history, discuss symptoms, and conduct an examination.
Diagnostic tests like muscle testing, palpation, posture analysis, range of motion, leg length measurement, gait analysis, and advanced imaging tests (such as X-rays and MRIs) are also used to understand the spine’s condition and pinpoint areas that require adjustment.
Who Can Benefit From a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractic treatment is beneficial to a wide range of patients, including those suffering from:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Disc herniations
- Chronic pain
- Bad posture
- Headaches
They can decrease pain, improve movement and flexibility, reduce inflammation, prevent joint and muscle injuries, and fix posture.
How Often Should I Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?
The frequency of chiropractic adjustments varies based on the patient’s condition and needs. Some may need multiple weekly adjustments, while others only need monthly visits. Your chiropractor will assess your health goals and progress to determine the right frequency of visits.
Book an Appointment With Our Clearwater Chiropractors Today!
Discover chiropractic care and explore our services at Family Life Chiropractic today!
Our skilled chiropractors are committed to delivering top-notch care and aiding you in reaching your health objectives. Take the initial step towards a pain-free, healthier life by calling 727-447-4647 and booking an appointment.
About the Author: With four decades of combined experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett and Dr. Philip Toft are highly educated and experienced chiropractors who serve Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. They take a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care, looking for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort instead of treating symptoms. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment.