The chiropractic profession offers a large variety of treatment options, but for the sake of this blog post, we will concentrate on the most common and primary intervention used in chiropractic care – the chiropractic adjustment, also referred to as spinal manipulation.
Regular chiropractic adjustments are oftentimes overlooked as a natural way to better health. However, many health conscious individuals are beginning to see the positive effects of a drug-free, hands-on approach to relieving back pain. In fact, the U.S. government’s Agency for Health Care Policy and Research concluded that chiropractic adjustments are a safe, cost-containting and effective approach for the promotion of our well-being.
It should come as no surprise that some are afraid to be adjusted. Anything new and unfamiliar that involves putting one’s trust in the hands of a total stranger can do that.
As a brand new patient, what should you expect from a chiropractic adjustment?
After a thorough examination, diagnosis and treatment plan is conducted by your chiropractor, the treatment can begin.
For patients suffering from low back pain and other neuromuscuskeletal disorders, a chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique in which the chiropractor massages, mobilizes, applies traction to, adjusts and/or influences the movement of the spine.
For patients suffering from joint mobility in the neck or recurring headaches, a neck adjustment (also known as cervical manipulation) is performed. This remarkably safe procedure restores range of motion and reduces muscle spasms, relieving the patient of pressure and tension.
So what is that unnerving pop noise that occurs to almost every person who gets an adjustment?
For the record, a chiropractic adjustment is not bones cracking. The noise itself is called a cavitation. This occurs when a joint opens up allowing the vertebrae to shift from its normal position to its new and correct position. The actual sound is a result of bubbles in fluid surrounding the joint in the cavity popping. The pop should be music to your ears as it confirms that movement in the vertebrae has taken place. The result is less pressure, less pain, and a better overall range of movement.
How will you feel after your first chiropractic adjustment?
For the most part, patients will feel a better general sense of well being. Adverse effects from a chiropractic adjustment are rare, but usually take place due to the fact that the body is re-aligning and healing itself. The most common adverse reaction to a chiropractic adjustment is aching and soreness in the spinal area and surrounding joints. This reaction is normal and should not cause alarm. Patients usually experience it within the first few hours post-treatment and it should not last more than 24 hours.
Put your health at the top of the list and you will be surprised at how great you will feel after your first chiropractic adjustment.
McCray Chiropractic & Health Restoration Clinic 