Here are a few questions that most new patients have along with the answers about chiropractic adjustments, how they work, what they do and what to expect when visiting a chiropractor.
How do adjustments work?
Chiropractic adjustments are painless, but there is soreness from the massage, the working out of trigger points, knots and from the realignment of the spine into its proper position. New chiropractic patients sometimes involuntarily stiffen or fight the adjustment and feel some discomfort. However, once they relax the treatment will go very smoothly.If the patient has gone through recent trauma like a car accident or personal injury where whiplash or inflammation has set in then there will be some pain. This is completely normal. However, once the adjustment has been completed patients report feeling relief, calmness, a sense of well-being, and improved mobility.
During an adjustment what is that pop?
When the vertebrae are realigned, there are small pockets of gas that get released from the joints, which is what makes that pop. It is the same sound heard when knuckles are popped. This pop does not happen with all patients. But it does not mean that the adjustments are working/not working. It is not necessary to have a pop to mean that the treatment is working.
How safe are these adjustments?
There are several research studies documenting the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic is far safer than taking medication/s or surgery. Complications from chiropractic are very rare.Question Is self-adjustment possible?
Absolutely not, chiropractic adjustments and treatment need to be performed by a qualified professional. Remember this is your spine when it's out of place you don't want to try to shove it back into place. A medical practitioner that knows the body's anatomy, especially the spine is who you want working on your spine. This is exactly what chiropractors are specifically trained to do.
Can other professionals perform these adjustments?
Yes, there are osteopaths or doctors of osteopathic medicine DO's that are trained to perform these techniques. But usually, they are chiropractors themselves or have chiropractic training but are not using that title in their practice. Chiropractors perform 97% of all adjustments in the country. Be mindful of pain therapists, massage therapists, or so-called healers that claim that they can perform spinal adjustments but do not have the credentials, qualifications, and experience.What conditions do adjustments help with?
Chiropractic medicine involves precise restoring/realignment of the spine that will allow for correct function and proper movement. Chiropractic helps with:- Arthritis
- Bursitis soft tissue inflammation
- Fibromyalgia chronic muscle pain/stiffness
- Headaches
- Leg pain
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Nerve disorders
- Repetitive Movement Injuries like carpal tunnel, golfer/tennis elbow
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Sports injuries
- Sprained muscles, joints, and ligaments
- Stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, feet
- Strained muscles, joints, and ligaments
- Tendonitis inflammation of soft tissues
- Trauma to the body like whiplash from an accident, sports injury, personal injury
- Work injuries, falls, slips, lifting, twisting
