What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments
are the foundation of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors use adjustments to
correct mild vertebral subluxations, or dislocations and misalignments of the
bones of the spine (vertebrae). The word “subluxation” has its origins in the
Latin words “luxare” (to dislocate) and “sub” (mild). Subluxations may put
pressure on or irritate nerves and blood vessels in the spine, and cause
musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
Adjustments, also known as “spinal manipulation”, involve
the use of a certain amount of controlled force, applied in a specific
direction, to a joint that is not moving properly. Adjustments are usually
carried out manually by the doctor, or by using an instrument. Chiropractic adjustments
help return your vertebrae to their natural position and range of motion, with
the goal of restoring health and normal functioning. In addition to restoring
joint mobility, adjustments can also allow healing of tissue injuries involving
inflammation and pain.
Before carrying out an adjustment, your chiropractor will thoroughly evaluate your case through collection of a health history,
physical examinations, laboratory tests, imaging (such as X-rays) and other
procedures. During the adjustment procedure itself, you may be lying down on a
specially designed chiropractic table. Your chiropractor will apply the
adjustment in a controlled pain-free manner.
There are many types of chiropractic adjustments your
doctor may choose from. Factors in this decision include
how much force is needed, where in the body the adjustment is needed, the
position of both the chiropractor and the patient also contribute to the
selection of the best type of adjustment for your particular condition.
Adjustments may be used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, or
pain in other areas of the body such as arms, legs, and shoulders. The
procedure rarely causes pain; however if there is recent trauma or if you are
new to chiropractic medicine there may be some discomfort. The popping and
cracking noises that occur during adjustments are due to the release of gas
bubbles between the joints, and these sounds are perfectly normal. It is a
similar phenomenon as when knuckles are cracked.
In many cases, chiropractic care is all that is needed to
treat a certain kind of problem, such as lower back pain. However, adjustments
may be complemented by other medical treatment if concurrent conditions are
present.
Dr. Howard Austrager is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist who has been practicing with his wife Dr. Laurie Austrager for the past 13 years at Metrowest Spine Clinic in Framingham. For additional information or to schedule an appointment we can be reached at 508-620-1585 or at www.metrowestspineclinic.com.
Resources
http://www.acatoday.org/
http://www.chiro.org/acc/What_is_Subluxation.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chiropractic-adjustment/MY01107
http://www.mdguidelines.com/chiropractic-adjustments-and-manipulations
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