When you hear people talk about going to a chiropractor to get your back "cracked", it can be a thought that sounds painful. But all actuality, its a very common chiropractic procedure called an "adjustment" that is not painful and you begin to feel pain relief immediately after. While of course you may hear a crack in your back, this is your spine re-aligning itself back in to its proper position to begin the healing process.
What are Chiropractic Adjustments?
Chiropractic adjustments are also referred to as "spinal manipulation" but is a common technique used by trained chiropractors to alleviate back pain and other painful symptoms throughout the body. No matter whether its back pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, or a wide range of conditions, adjustments have been proven to help provide the body pain relief.
During an adjustment, the chiropractor will manipulate the spinal vertebrae to apply pressure to the parts of the spine or body part you are experiencing pain or abnormal body functions. This will reduce subluxations in the spine (spinal misalignment) to relieve the pressure your vertebrae are feeling. It will help relieve pain, stiffness, numbing and tingling to provide you relief immediately in the area you are suffering.
What Happens During an Adjustment?
After you lay down on a gentle machine to help warm up your back muscles, the chiropractor will gently put his or her arm using controlled force, velocity and angle to manipulate your spine. This is done after an evaluation has been performed on the issues you are experiencing to help the chiropractor target the area that needs spinal manipulation.
Once the adjustment is complete you will hear and feel a release of joint pressure, which may be the "crack" mentioned earlier, which is followed by a sensation or feeling of relief.
Pain conditions vary and may require a series of treatments every couple of days or weeks until the condition begins to subside.
Are Adjustments Safe?
The quick answer is, YES. Spinal adjustments are safe and thousands of Americans go through chiropractic adjustments each and every day for pain relief.
While there are many conditions that adjustments can help treat, it is important you tell your chiropractor exactly where you are feeling discomfort or pain so they can target that area. But a majority of cases stem from the spinal region, and usually patients have some sort of back pain caused by sports injuries, auto accidents, sudden movements or simply sleeping in the wrong position!
Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be safe and effective forms of pain relief for:
Adults
Children
Athletes
Seniors
People with disabilities
People with injuries
Although spinal adjustments by a trained chiropractor are safe and have a very low risk of serious side effects, you should avoid seeking a spinal adjustment if you:
Have cancer in your spine
Are at high risk of a stroke
Suffer from severe osteoporosis
Have a bone abnormality in your upper neck
What are the Possible Side Effects?
When you have a chiropractic adjustment, side effects are incredibly rare. While it is possible that you may experience a headache or fatigue, or mild pain around the area that is being treated, there are no side effects that will do any harm or discomfort.
Set up a Consultation with Dr. Blakely
If you are suffering from back pains or any other ailments that you think chiropractic care may be able to help, please call Blakely Chiropractic today for a free consultation!
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