Most people have likely heard of chiropractic care before, but far fewer know what it entails. At its core, chiropractic is a non-invasive, holistic approach to healing that focuses on the spine and its relationship to nerve function, muscle balance, and overall health.
One of the key techniques chiropractors use is spinal adjustments, which can help transform patients’ well-being by relieving pain, improving mobility, and addressing various ailments.
Let’s dive deeper into the world of spinal adjustments, how they work, and why they’re such an effective part of chiropractic practice.
What is a Spinal Adjustment?
Spinal adjustments are a hands-on, non-invasive technique used by chiropractors to realign the spine. They involve applying controlled pressure to specific vertebrae to correct misalignments or subluxations.
The goal of spinal adjustments is to restore proper alignment to the spine, releasing tension in the surrounding muscles and nerves and allowing the body to function at its highest level.
Why is Spinal Adjustment Necessary?
The human spine is an intricate structure that houses the spinal cord, which relays messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Any misalignment or dysfunction in the spine can affect the nervous system, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and even overall health.
Reasons for misalignments can range from poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, and injuries to aging. That’s where spinal adjustments come in – to help restore the spine’s proper alignment and functionality.
How Does It Work?
During a spinal adjustment, your chiropractor will first thoroughly evaluate your spine and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam and order tests such as X-rays.
They will then use their hands or a specialized instrument to apply controlled pressure to the affected areas of your spine.
You may hear a popping or cracking sound. This sound results from small pockets of air or gas, which build up in the fluid surrounding your joints.
When your chiropractor applies a controlled, sudden force to a specific joint during a spinal adjustment, this pressure change causes the release of these gas bubbles, resulting in the characteristic popping sound. It’s important to note that this sound is normal and usually not a cause for concern.
Spinal adjustments work on three primary fronts:
Restoring Mobility
Over time, poor posture, injuries, or aging can lead to spinal misalignment. This misalignment can cause stiffness and limit your spine’s range of motion.
Through spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to realign the joints of the spine, thereby increasing your range of motion and reducing stiffness.
Relieving Pain
Misaligned joints can also result in inflammation and nerve irritation, leading to discomfort and pain.
By correcting these misalignments, spinal adjustments can help manage and reduce this pain, contributing to improved comfort and quality of life.
Improving Body Function
As mentioned above, any spine misalignment can disrupt the overall nervous system and body function. Enhancing spinal health can impact the overall nervous system, potentially improving various body functions.
The Safety and Effectiveness of Spinal Adjustments
Spinal adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. Common side effects include temporary discomfort in the treated areas, fatigue, or headache.
Research has shown spinal adjustments to be effective for certain conditions, like neck pain, lower back pain, and certain types of headaches.
Other Chiropractic Treatments
It’s important to note that while spinal adjustments can be highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions, they’re only one part of chiropractic care.
In addition to adjustments, chiropractors may offer other treatments such as massage, exercise recommendations, and nutritional counseling. Chiropractic care aims to address the underlying causes of health issues rather than just masking symptoms with medication.
Chiropractor in Grand Junction, CO
Are you struggling with back pain, reduced mobility, or other musculoskeletal issues? Spinal adjustments could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
At WorkPartners Occupational Health in Grand Junction, Colorado, our chiropractors are well-versed in this tried and tested technique, dedicated to enhancing your health and well-being. We offer comprehensive chiropractic services, including spinal adjustments, as part of our commitment to providing effective healthcare services for our patients.
Our highly trained medical professionals also specialize in treating work-related injuries, helping you navigate your recovery journey.
Reach out to us at (970) 241-5585 or request an appointment online to discover how spinal adjustments can benefit you. We look forward to serving you!
