Chiropractic Adjustment - Are they all they're Cracked Up to Be?
An adjustment is a gentle force a chiropractor exerts on your spine to correct a Subluxation. A subluxation is a bone that is out of place or not moving properly. When the bones in your back are misaligned it causes bone and joint degeneration and irritation to your nervous system. Your chiropractor can use his/her hands or a hand held instrument to bring about a spinal correction. Spinal correction will relieve back pain, and take pressure off your nervous system allowing your body to heal itself. How many Adjustments will I need?Usually a number of Adjustments are needed to correct spinal misalignments (subluxations).This shouldn’t come as a surprise as correcting spinal misalignments is similar to straightening crooked teeth. If you’ve ever had braces or know someone who has, you know that it takes an average of 3-4 years to straighten crooked teeth. This is with many visits throughout the process to tighten the braces as the teeth slowly move toward the desired position. Even after the braces come off you usually have to wear a brace for six months to a year to keep the teeth from moving back into the old position. Correcting a long standing spinal misalignment is similar in that it takes some time and effort to restore normal spinal alignment and normal function. This is because the muscles connected to the misaligned back bones get stuck in an unhealthy position, and many adjustments may be needed over a few weeks or months before your spine will stay in a well aligned healthy position.
Do all Chiropractors use the same Adjustments?No, there are many different types of adjustments and different chiropractic schools teach only a number of the best techniques.I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa. Palmer College taught five chiropractic adjusting techniques. The reason there are more than one type of chiropractic adjustment is that people are not all the same. Certain adjusting styles work better for certain patients. Just like certain drugs work well for some patients and not as well for others, having a number of chiropractic adjustment techniques allows your chiropractor to make a change if the first technique tried is not getting the desired results.It really doesn’t matter what type of chiropractic adjustment your chiropractor uses as long as your spinal misalignment is corrected. Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?Chiropractic Adjustments require skill not strength. This is why a small framed female chiropractor can be as effective as a muscular male chiropractor.Your chiropractor will use the adjustment which will correct your spinal misalignments (subluxations) with the least amount of force. Usually there is no discomfort associated with getting adjusted. The only time that an adjustment may cause discomfort is if it is the first or second adjustment for a patient who has not received adjustments before. The discomfort is similar to what you would feel after starting a new workout program. You may be a bit sore at first until your muscles get used to the new exercises. I’ve heard adjustments cause scary noises?Because most adjustments are gentle, often you will not hear any noise during an adjustment.When you do hear a popping sound during an adjustment it is just little pockets of gas releasing from the joint space. This is completely normal and does not cause any discomfort. The benefit of having a variety of adjustments to choose from is your chiropractor will use the one best suited for your age and spinal health. Is the Chiropractic Adjustment Safe?Yes the adjustment is safe. Study after study on chiropractic have found the safety of chiropractic to be unmatched by any other health profession.Adjustments are far safer than taking medications or having surgery. Both of these treatment options have a long list of harmful side effects that you have to worry about. Chiropractic Adjustments are safe if performed by a competent chiropractor. I have had many patients tell me of being hurt by a medical doctor or physical therapist who tried to perform a chiropractic adjustment. Even more alarming is when patients try to adjust themselves or family members. Chiropractors go through many years of schooling to learn how to provide safe and effective adjustments. Don’t let anyone who is not an experienced chiropractor try to adjust you.
How do I know I need to be adjusted?Your chiropractor uses a number of tests to diagnose a spinal subluxation including:• Posture exam • X-ray exam • Physical exam • Leg length exam • Bilateral weight scales • Neurological exam • Orthopedic tests • Muscle testing • Thermographic exam • Motion palpation exam • Static palpation exam After you have been under care for a specified amount of time, the tests that were abnormal when you began care will be repeated. The test results will start normalizing as you improve. This is excellent feedback for you to see that your health is really improving more than just “feeling better.” Chiropractic is the largest drugless health profession. Each day millions of people all over the world choose chiropractic as a safe natural alternative to medication and surgery. To Your Best Health, Dr. Cliff
Return from chiropractic adjustment to Chiropractic click here Return to back-pain-treatment-and-relief.com
|
