What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
By Karen Heslop
When you're researching chiropractic treatment options, one term usually pops up repeatedly -- chiropractic adjustment. It's not always clear what that means, or how it's applied, so it may lead to some hesitation on your part. Fortunately, there's a fairly simple explanation.
Defining a Chiropractic Adjustment
This procedure is often used during a chiropractic session to counteract the effects of restricted, commonly called misaligned, joints. It's also known as manual manipulation, spinal manipulation, chiropractic manipulation, and the chiropractic adjustment. Only a trained chiropractor has the skills and knowledge to carry out the chiropractic adjustment effectively.
What an Adjustment Entails
During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor generally places the patient in specific positions to aid the manipulation. This usually happens on a specially-designed table. While patients are in these positions, chiropractors use their hands to apply gentle bursts of force to certain problem areas.
While the joints are generally being extended a bit past their usual range of motion, you shouldn't experience any pain. The movements may be accompanied by a cracking or popping sound but that's not always the case.
The duration of a chiropractic adjustment session may vary depending on the severity of the issue so don't be surprised if your visit is short.
How to Prepare For an Adjustment
Generally, there's nothing in particular that needs to be done to prepare for a chiropractic adjustment. However, you should be prepared to discuss your concerns as well as aspects of your medical history. Before going to the visit, it might be helpful to research the information that chiropractors usually need to know. It's also recommended that you wear comfortable clothing when seeing a chiropractor.
What Might Happen After an Adjustment
Once a chiropractic adjustment is complete, most persons report a significant reduction in their pain levels as well as improved range of motion. It's also typical to experience some soreness in the muscles as well as being a little tired, or maybe a little stiffness. These symptoms should only last for a short period.
Depending on the results of the chiropractor's assessment, you may get a referral to do further tests. Additionally, it's not unusual to receive a list of therapeutic or restorative exercises to do at home to help keep you pain-free.
Chiropractic adjustments are an important tool that chiropractors use to treat patients who are feeling acute or chronic pain. It is a safe procedure, and with extended and weekend hours, it's easy to attend The Joint Chiropractic in your neighborhood.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Los Angeles, Calif.