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Spinal manipulation is one of the most common and well-known therapeutic procedures performed by doctors of chiropractic. Various terms are used for this procedure: spinal manipulation, chiropractic manipulation or chiropractic adjustment. The purpose of spinal or extremity manipulation is to restore normal joint function and mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile - or restricted in their movement - as a result of a tissue injury. The purpose of this natural and safe procedure is to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system. For the patient, this means improved spinal function, reduction in pain and inflammation, and an overall improvement in health and wellness.
Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting or other accident. Tissue injuries also result from repetitive stresses, which can be something like swinging a hammer or sitting with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for an individual. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing tissues to heal.
Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment, similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program, which usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours. Compared to other common treatments for pain, such as over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, chiropractic's conservative approach offers a safe and effective option. Drinking plenty of water, using an ice pack, and engaging in light stretching after your first visit can help ease any discomfort and promote healing.
In our office we use a variety of techniques to meet the needs of each individual patient. Adjustments can be done manually, or with an instrument and the level of force used in an adjustment depends on the condition at hand and the preferences of the patient.
