A chiropractic adjustment is a treatment procedure where trained specialists known as chiropractors use a small instrument or their hands to apply a controlled force to a spinal joint. The goal of chiropractic adjustment, ideally known as spinal manipulation is to enhance spinal motion and the overall body’s physical function.
Why Is A Chiropractic Adjustment Done
Neck pain, lower back pain, and headaches are the most common issues for which individuals seek this form of treatment.
The Risks With A Chiropractic Adjustment
Spinal manipulation is safe when conducted by a chiropractor who is trained and licensed to provide chiropractic care. Severe conditions associated with chiropractic adjustments are quite rare, but may include:
-Nerves compression in the lower spinal region. This is also referred to as cauda equina syndrome.
-A herniated disk or an existing one that is worsening.
-A kind of stroke after neck manipulation.
Spinal manipulation should not be advised if you have:
- Cancer in your spine
- Severe osteoporosis
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in your arm or leg
- A known bone abnormality in your upper neck region
- A high risk of stroke.
How To Prepare For A Chiropractic Adjustment
There is really no special preparation needed before a chiropractic adjustment. The treatment involves a series of visits to the chiropractor, but most individuals attain ultimate improvement between 6 and 10 visits. Most health insurance policies cover this kind of treatment, but it is important to check how many treatments are covered in a given period.
What To Expect With A Chiropractic Adjustment
During the initial visit, the chiropractor will ask you questions regarding your health history, current medications, sleeping habits, lifestyle, etc. They will then conduct a physical exam, with special attention to the spine. The chiropractor may ideally recommend other tests like x-rays and blood samples.
The Chiropractic Adjustment Procedure
During a conventional spinal adjustment, the chiropractor puts you in certain positions in order to treat the affected regions. Usually, you will be put in a facedown lying position on a specially designed chiropractic table. The chiropractor will then use their hands to apply a sudden but controlled force to a joint, pushing it beyond the normal motion range. You may hear cracking or popping sounds as the chiropractor moves the joint, which is totally normal.
After The Chiropractic Adjustment Procedure
Some individuals experience some minor side effects for a couple of days after a chiropractic adjustment and these include fatigue, headache, and pain in the areas that were treated.
The Results Of A Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustments can be pretty effective in treating back pain, even though most of the studies have shown only a modest benefit, just like the results of conventional treatments. Some studies ideally show that chiropractic adjustment may ideally be effective for spine-related conditions like neck pain, back pain, as well as headaches.
Not everybody responds to spinal manipulation. A lot depends on your situation. If your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of the procedure, then chiropractic adjustment might not be the ideal option for you.
If you are looking for a chiropractic adjustment in Pensacola, FL, get in touch with Dr. Rob Thomson today.