If you’ve been researching chiropractic treatment, you’ve probably seen the words “chiropractic adjustment” come up a few times. But what exactly are chiropractic adjustments, and how can they benefit you?
Chiropractic adjustments are the building blocks of all chiropractic treatments. Adjustments are a type of spinal manipulation that involve small, quick, highly specific movements. These movements restore proper movement, function, and alignment to a certain joint. The spinal column, hip, knee, shoulder, and neck are some examples of joints that are commonly adjusted during chiropractic treatment.
Usually, your chiropractor will use their hands to manipulate the joints and perform adjustments. However, they may also sometimes use mechanical instruments that help them to perform chiropractic manipulation and make certain adjustments.
When an adjustment is made, you may hear a popping or clicking noise. This noise is produced when a joint is adjusted, and gas bubbles are released within the joint fluid. This is totally normal.
Chiropractic adjustments are very gentle, meaning you should not experience any pain during your adjustment. Chiropractic treatment is very safe, and has no side effects aside from some mild muscle soreness or discomfort in the area treated.
Chiropractic adjustments can be performed either preventatively or remedially.
Preventative chiropractic treatment is for people who do not currently have a current neck, back, or musculoskeletal issue. Preventative care allows your chiropractor to identify any issues (e.g. incorrect alignment or poor posture) before they become a problem.
They will then be able to correct these issues using chiropractic adjustments. This will prevent these issues from becoming more serious in the future. These adjustments will also improve your overall posture, alignment, and range of motion.
Remedial chiropractic treatment is for people who are experiencing pain, injury, or other issues with their spine, neck, and joints. Your chiropractor will be able to formulate a treatment plan to provide pain relief, and help treat these issues.
The effectiveness of chiropractic care has been demonstrated by many clinical trials and systematic reviews (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpain.2021.765921/full), which provide testament to its many benefits in both preventative and remedial care. The benefits of chiropractic care include that it:
- Reduces pain (including chronic pain, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and the pain associated with spinal cord and other injuries)
- Corrects poor posture
- Properly aligns the spine and other joints
- Maintains the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system
- Increases flexibility
- Improves range of motion
- Improves overall quality of life
- Creates a better sense of holistic health
- Provides relief from other health conditions, like headaches and migraines
- Supports the health of the nervous system and immune system
- Prevents future injuries
At Chiro & Integrative Therapies, we are passionate about supporting the holistic health of our clients through gentle and safe chiropractic treatment.
Thinking about visiting a chiropractor? Give us a call today on (07) 5607 0161.
