Chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which trained specialists called chiropractors use their hands or a small instrument to apply controlled force to a spinal joint. The goal of this procedure, also called spinal manipulation, is to improve spinal motion and the body's ability to move. Chiropractors focus on the body's ability to heal itself. They work on bones, nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
They do things like adjustments, exercise therapy, soft tissue therapy, and kinesiological puncture. Chiropractors are not doctors, but they receive education and training similar to those of doctors. They treat many different problems, such as low back pain, neck pain, and headache. What Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Do for You?The diversified technique has 3 main purposes: to restore spinal alignment, to repair joint dysfunction, and to ensure proper movement and mobility.
By using manual pushes with extreme precision, doctors can restore spinal alignment and increase the patient's range of motion, which can be affected by misalignment of joints or bones. This technique is widely used, as 96% of all chiropractors use the diversified technique on approximately 70% of their patients. Both chiropractors and physical therapists use spinal mobilization, also called manual therapy or spinal manipulation, to relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation and improve nerve function. While spinal mobilization is a “manual therapy” technique similar to the diversified technique discussed above, it uses softer pushing movements and involves more stretching.
The Thompson Drop-Table technique uses a specially designed table with padded platforms equipped with drop mechanisms so that the patient can “drop” a fraction of an inch while the doctor applies a quick push to complete the adjustment. The gentle tumbling motion is comfortable for patients, as it resembles a slight vibration. Neck pain, often caused by poor posture or accidents, is another condition that chiropractors treat effectively. Through gentle adjustments, we can restore normal neck movement and alleviate pain.
Many headaches are caused by neck problems. Our chiropractic treatments can reduce the severity and frequency of these headaches by improving spinal function and relieving stress on the nervous system. Your chiropractor can refer you to an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, or an acupuncturist. Chiropractors have 4 to 5 years of training, including a degree in human sciences and chiropractic, as well as one year of postgraduate training. Some chiropractors also have contracts with health authorities, primary care groups, or other offices.
Your chiropractor may also want to know if you have a history of migraines, your sleep patterns, your diet, and if you're physically active. The chiropractor may place you on a folding table, designed with sections that fall downward when pressure is applied on the back. If you don't want to use medication, see a chiropractor to control or eliminate pain in the lower back, neck, and head. A chiropractic adjustment is a therapeutic treatment in which a licensed chiropractor uses their hands or special instruments to manipulate joints in the body.
A chiropractor's primary therapy is spinal manipulation, in which they use their hands or instruments to apply force to a joint in the spine, moving the joint in a specific direction to achieve better alignment. Chiropractors usually push the spine with their hands, while osteopaths usually use their arms and legs to do the pushes. Chiropractors examine a patient to observe the position of the spine and muscle reflexes. The chiropractor can use x-rays to help diagnose you, while an osteopath will usually use them to rule out other possible problems.
My suggestion would be to have an open and honest conversation with your chiropractor about the pain and symptoms you are experiencing since your last adjustment. All states require that a chiropractor obtain a doctorate degree in chiropractic, pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam and obtain a license to practice chiropractic state. A chiropractor helps manage back and neck pain by using spinal adjustments to maintain good alignment. The chiropractor will apply a controlled amount of force (pressure) to the joints, resulting in a crunch or popping sound when gas exits the joints.
As the chiropractor realigns the spine or joints with a controlled force, you may hear popping and crackling sounds.
