What exactly is a chiropractic adjustment? This is a common question in our office, by new and veteran patients alike. The entire chiropractic profession is based on the adjustment. However, what is happening within your body when you are adjusted, and how can the adjustment be so life-changing for so many people?
Chiropractic adjustments are an extremely effective treatment for pain, injury, and a variety of other ailments. The purpose of the adjustment is to correct a subluxation, or misalignment, of a bone, usually a vertebrae in the spine. Direct pressure, safe but firm, is applied to the misaligned bone, to return it to its natural position. This frees the nerves that have been impacted by the misaligned bone to optimally function throughout your body. With these nerves now free to function at their best, the body’s innate intelligence is able to heal what ails you. After all, doctors can help facilitate the healing process, but ultimately, it’s the body that’s self healing, self maintaining and self regulating. The chiropractic adjustment simply gives your body the opportunity to heal itself; pretty miraculous!
Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments can be performed a variety of different ways. Most commonly, patients are adjusted lying on a table while on his or her back, side, or stomach. However, certain types of adjustments are performed standing or sitting in a chair. A variety of techniques can be used, including but not limited to:
- Table adjustments
- Tool or instrument adjustments
- Table drop adjustments
The most important thing for patients to remember during the adjustment process is to relax. Your chiropractor will walk you through the adjustment every step of the way to ensure your comfort level. Any popping sounds you may hear, similar to what you hear when you “crack” your knuckles, are simply air pockets between the joints being released. The popping may seem louder during cervical (neck) adjustments, but only because your ears are closer to where that air is being released. No bones are cracking!
Remember that your chiropractor is here to help you on your path to optimal health and wants to get to know you. Be open, honest, and build a relationship with your chiropractor. Discuss your health goals from a medical standpoint, but also personal health and life goals. Developing a trust with your chiropractor will help you be more open to your adjustments, thus allowing you to get the most from your chiropractic care.
Many patients ask about the side effects of an adjustment. Most commonly, people report sleeping better and feeling more energized after their very first adjustment, and usually a decrease in symptoms. Occasionally, soreness can be common in areas of the body that had not previously been sore. This is completely normal as the body begins to heal, and can be relieved by using a heat or ice pack. But the real “side effects” of adjustments are all positive!
- Decrease in pain
- Increased range of motion
- Increased blood flow
- Reduced blood pressure
- Decreased muscle tension
- And many more..!
Chiropractic Adjustments Lead to a Healthier Life
Trust that your body will heal if you give it the time it needs, and know your quality of life will improve dramatically with each adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments will give you a greater sense of calm and well-being, and will set you on a path to a happier, healthier, and fuller life!
As you can see, there are numerous benefits achieved by regular Chiropractic care. As chiropractors, we will seek to find the root cause of your problem(s) and correct it, not cover up the problem with medication.
Sure, chiropractic can help you feel better by correcting problems but it’s just as much about maintaining good health. If you’re having any of these health issues listed about contact Tuckahoe Family Chiropractic at 804.740.3434. We would love to help you achieve your goals naturally. If any of your family or friends could benefit from this article please pass it along.