Also known as Spinal Manipulation, Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment is a procedure in which well-trained and skilled specialists, also called chiropractors, use their hands or small instruments to apply controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of the treatment is to correct the structural alignment of the Spine and improves body’s physical function. Chiropractic spinal adjustments are also used to relieve or treat lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Critical facts
How Chiropractic Adjustments Work
The ability of the body to restore itself after certain life events such as sports injuries, automobile accidents,
repetitive work, and stress pretty much depends on the nervous system. When such events occur, the body’s ability to restore itself is limited. As a result, the joints in the spine “lock-up”, thereby limiting motion. This can cause irritation and pressure in the spinal nerves, which leads to pain in the lower back as well as on the neck.
Chiropractic spinal adjustments help “unlock” the joints to correct these subluxations (structural distortions), thereby relieving pain/irritation and reducing pressure and tension on the spine. This helps restore the body to its optimal form and function.
Benefits of Spinal Adjustments
Spinal manipulation and comprehensive chiropractic care are considered as safe and efficient treatments for both acute lower back and neck pain. In fact, approximately 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually to seek relief from back pain caused by muscle strain, sports injuries, and accidents.
Besides lower back and neck pain, these adjustments have been shown to be particularly useful in the reduction of headache pains, jaw pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tingling in the arms and legs.
Helps Restore Motion in the Joints
By impinging the nerves, spinal adjustments help restore movement in areas that have “locked up”. The adjustments coax stiff joints to relax. The technique has proven to be quite beneficial for people with arthritis or joint pain.
Assist in Stress Reduction
Discomfort caused by misalignment in the spine can cause the body to become stressed. This type of stress is not necessarily mental- but body stress which affects the nerves, muscles, and joints. Proper alignment and manipulation of the spine can help relieve the tension and pressure causing body stress.
Increased Muscle Strength
Spinal manipulation increases muscle strength in that it improves the brain’s ability to drive muscles. Also, it helps reduce fatigue.
Spinal Adjustments Side Effects
The common side effects of spinal manipulation include headaches, fatigue, local discomfort, and radiating pain.
Chiropractic spinal adjustments are safe and very beneficial in promoting overall health and well-being. They are also a safer and cheaper alternative to drugs and other medications used to treat spinal complications.