Chiropractic adjustments and spinal adjustment are popular terms used by Huntington Beach Chiropractic practitioners to describe their spinal manipulation methods and sometimes by non-chiropractic practitioners, who sometimes use the word adjustment to tell the whole body treatment process. But what is a chiropractic adjustment? How does it work, and why is it important? And why, given that there are many alternative ways of achieving health and wellness, should one choose chiropractic medicine?
Chiropractic adjustments are directed at the subluxations or misalignments in the vertebrae of the spine. This may take the form of a mechanical disorder, such as a herniated vertebral, spinal stenosis or subluxation of the L2 vertebrae, or a structural abnormality, such as spinal deformation or herniated discs. It can take the form of an organic disorder, such as subluxation of the musculoskeletal system, neuromuscular disease, or injury to the spinal cord.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore the musculoskeletal and nervous systems’ normal functioning by manipulating the spine’s soft tissue. Sometimes this manipulation can help to alleviate or eliminate back pain or headaches. More often, the chiropractor may suggest that patients experience other wellness improvements such as improved muscle strength and flexibility, better posture, absence of stiffness and pain, absence of whiplash, and other neck and back pain and headaches.
There are two types of chiropractic adjustment – low and high velocity. In the low-velocity method of subluxation manipulation, the practitioner applies controlled, forceful adjustments to the spine and cranial cavity using his or her hands. The high-velocity type of subluxation manipulation involves a high-velocity burst of energy into the subluxation. Both kinds of subluxation manipulation can result in discomfort and pain. The chiropractor will guide you through each step of the treatment procedure.
Chiropractic adjustments can help with chronic neck pain and headaches. Often the chiropractor will recommend treatment for headaches along with the headache treatment being administered by the chiropractor. Chronic neck pain and headaches are often complicated, if not impossible, to treat without medication.
Chiropractic adjustments can also help to relieve lower back pain and nerve headaches. Many chiropractors use spinal manipulation, which is used to unblock the flow of energy along with the nerve roots. This allows the body to regain proper functioning, relieving the cause of back pain or nerve headache. Many chiropractors can perform spinal manipulations on patients quickly and painlessly.
There are other specific areas where chiropractic adjustment is used. Some of these particular areas include pregnancy and fertility treatments, migraine headaches, knee and joint pain, soft tissue injuries, and headaches. It is important to note that chiropractic treatments should not be used as a last resort. These treatments should only be utilized as the first line of defense against problems or diseases. Chiropractic treatments should never be considered as a substitute for conventional medical treatment.
Before chiropractic adjustments can begin, the patient must be under a general or localized anesthetic. A minimal amount of pressure should be applied during the procedure. The purpose of spinal manipulation is to realign the spine. Once the spine has been realigned, it will better coordinate and stabilize the surrounding musculoskeletal system. Spinal manipulation and related activities do not attempt to eliminate a disease condition. Instead, they help restore bodily function by providing relief from pain and stimulating the nervous system.
While chiropractors use several different techniques when performing adjustments, there is one common technique that all chiropractors use. This technique is known as the thrust or swing. A steady and forceful downward pressure is exerted onto the patient’s spine during the chiropractic adjustment while the upper body is still in a neutral position. Some chiropractors prefer to apply a lower than average force during the adjustments, while other chiropractors feel that this force is unnecessary and excessive.
An excellent example of a type of spinal manipulation used in treating vertebral subluxations and their resulting complications is the selective manipulation of the spinal cord. In the selective manipulation of the spinal cord, the chiropractic physician will move spinal manipulative units downward towards the spine or into the vertebrae. The chiropractor may also apply upward pressure at the same time. In some cases, this combination of movements can help the patients reduce inflammation and thus the associated pain.
Chiropractic adjustments that employ the selective manipulation technique are sometimes combined with the application of spinal manipulation or controlled traction. Although the selective manipulation technique has been shown to help some spinal misalignments, more research is still needed to determine whether it is an appropriate technique for your particular condition. A good chiropractor will discuss these issues with you and provide a complete and thorough explanation of the adjustments that he feels are most appropriate for you. He will also explain the advantages and benefits of the chiropractic adjustment for you.