What Actually Happens When You Get A Spinal Adjustment?
If you’ve ever experienced back pain or discomfort, you may have considered seeking relief through chiropractic care, which often involves spinal adjustments. But what exactly happens during a spinal adjustment, and how does it work? In this blog, we’ll explore the process of a spinal adjustment, what to expect when you go in for one, and how this treatment can help alleviate back pain and improve overall spinal health.
Understanding the Process for a Spinal Adjustment
A spinal adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a manual therapy technique used by chiropractors to realign the vertebrae of the spine. The goal of a spinal adjustment is to restore proper alignment, mobility, and function to the spine, thereby reducing pain and improving overall spinal health. During a spinal adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled force to specific joints of the spine, typically using their hands or specialized instruments.
What Happens When You Go In for a Spinal Adjustment?
When you visit a chiropractor for a spinal adjustment, the first step is typically a thorough evaluation of your spinal health and any existing issues or concerns. The chiropractor will ask about your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may request imaging tests such as X-rays to assess the alignment of your spine. Based on this evaluation, the chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
During the spinal adjustment itself, you will lie down on a treatment table in a comfortable position. The chiropractor will use their hands or a specialized instrument to apply quick, controlled thrusts to the targeted areas of your spine. You may hear a popping or cracking sound during the adjustment, which is the result of gas bubbles being released from the joints as they are realigned. While this sound can be surprising, it is typically not painful and is perfectly normal.
How Does a Spinal Adjustment Work?
The precise mechanisms behind how spinal adjustments work are still not fully understood, but several theories have been proposed. One theory suggests that spinal adjustments help to relieve pressure on the nerves that exit the spine, thereby reducing pain and improving nerve function. Another theory proposes that spinal adjustments stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body.
Additionally, spinal adjustments may help to improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation in the spine, promoting better overall spinal health. By restoring proper alignment and function to the spine, spinal adjustments can alleviate back pain, improve range of motion, and enhance the body’s ability to heal itself.
Summary
A spinal adjustment is a manual therapy technique used by chiropractors to realign the vertebrae of the spine and improve spinal health. During a spinal adjustment, controlled force is applied to specific joints of the spine to restore proper alignment and function. While the exact mechanisms behind how spinal adjustments work are still being studied, this treatment has been shown to be effective in alleviating back pain and improving overall spinal health. If you’re experiencing back pain or discomfort, consider consulting with a chiropractor to see if spinal adjustments may be right for you.