What the Heck is a Chiropractic Adjustment Anyway?

If you’ve ever had a really sore neck or low back pain – even foot pain, headaches and shoulder problems – you might have felt better faster with a chiropractic adjustment. But are you wondering what exactly it is and how it works? Then read on!

Here’s the official answer about the cause of that annoying neck/back pain. It’s categorized as a subluxation, which is a partial or incomplete separation in which the articulating surfaces still remain in partial contact. Any of the 200 bones, particularly those in the vertebral column, can’t be displaced without impinging adjacent nerves. Pressure on nerves excites, agitates and creates an excess of inflammation.

In other words, that low back pain and sore neck can likely be attributed to bone movement that has affected the surrounding nerves. Those nerves are under stress, and that translates to pain. So how does an adjustment help?

There’s a wealth of scientific evidence showing that chiropractic adjustments to the spine affects a number of receptors in the joints, which impacts both the spinal cord and brain levels. The upshot? Reduced pain and inflammation. Bingo!

So how does a chiropractic adjustment actually work? It depends a bit on the method and the doctor, but generally, the techniques include a version of:

• A high-velocity, short-lever arm thrust applied to a vertebra
• An accompanying, audible release oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure
• A relieving sensation in many cases, although short-term, minor discomfort isn’t unusual if the surrounding muscles are in spasm

Low back pain, neck pain and headache are the most common problems for which people seek chiropractic adjustments, but chiropractors can be a wonderful resource for other types of pain.

If you’re considering visiting a chiropractor, here’s a quick reason to skip the franchises. At Dr. McSweeney’s office, you’re never just another spine. She connects with each patient, and she takes time to really listen to your concerns, your symptoms and your hopes for feeling better. Learn more about what your first visit will include, and see what other patients have to say about Dr. McSweeney.

There’s no reason to deal with nagging neck and back pain, and now that you have an idea about what chiropractic adjustments are, what they do, and how they help, take the next step. Schedule your appointment today.