What Is a Back Pain Chiropractic Adjustment?

Back Pain Chiropractor

Lower back and neck pain are some of the most common reasons Americans seek medical attention. This type of pain, especially if chronic, can be debilitating when left untreated. One way people treat pain associated with the spine is via chiropractic care. If you’re suffering from such pain and want a solution that doesn’t require surgery or pharmaceuticals, a chiropractic adjustment from an experienced back pain chiropractor may help.

What Is It?

Chiropractic adjustments are also known as spinal manipulations. A chiropractor will use their hands or sometimes small tools to help realign your spinal joints. This realignment can alleviate pain by improving spinal motion and therefore function. 

What Happens?

For the most part, you’ll be lying in the prone position on a table that’s specifically designed for chiropractic work. The chiropractor will then use hands or instruments to methodically adjust your joints. This adjustment is sudden, and enough force is used to push your joints just beyond their normal range of motion. As a result, cracking or popping noises are not uncommon. The results vary from person to person, but after the adjustment, you may feel your lower back pain is treated. Additionally, neck pain and chronic headaches can be alleviated.

Are There Risks?

It can seem scary to most people. Since chiropractors apply a precise, sudden force to shift your spinal joints, people often are wary of the procedure. When performed by someone who’s licensed, chiropractic adjustments are absolutely safe. In fact, complications are quite rare. Such complications include stroke, increased nerve compression, and herniated disks.

Is a Chiropractic Adjustment Right For You?

Before you even get to the adjustment, a chiropractor will discuss your health history with you. This step is integral since there are certain situations in which you shouldn’t get a chiropractic adjustment, such as those who have cancer in the spine, are at risk for stroke, have severe osteoporosis, or have some form of bone abnormality in the spinal system. Additionally, any unusual sensations in the limbs may make a chiropractor cautious. Once health history is discussed, the chiropractor will examine you. A standard physical examination that mainly addresses the spine is sufficient for most cases, but in some situations, a chiropractor may request an X-ray in order to make a more informed decision.

If you’re concerned about the safety or results of chiropractic adjustments, don’t hesitate to contact an expert, quality chiropractor. They’ll be able to answer all your questions and determine whether or not chiropractic adjustments are right for you.