- How does it work?
- There are many ways to adjust the spine.
- What do adjustments feel like?
- Are adjustments safe?
- Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
- What makes the sound?
- Can I adjust myself?
Like an experienced piano tuner, your chiropractic doctor has become a master at fine tuning the way your spine works.
Spinal joints that are "locked up", fixated, or not moving properly can affect your health by irritating nearby tissues. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these areas. This helps restore nervous system integrity as well as musculoskeletalrelating to or involving the muscles and the skeleton balance and can improve the healing process.
There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Sometimes the doctor's hands deliver a quick, highly accurate thrust. Or an instrument may repeatedly direct force to a fixated spinal joint.
Other times a slow, constant pressure is used. Dr. Erdman uses special tables with moving sections. Several areas of the spine may be adjusted or just one.
The key is to use the precise amount of force -- at the exact spot -- in the right direction -- at just the right time -- to get spinal joints moving again. Chiropractic is truly an art. Your chiropractic doctor has become a master at one or more adjusting techniques. Adjustments help reduce nervous system interferences and improve the vital communication link between your brain and your body. They allow normal motion to take place which help reduce pain and stiffness.
Just about anyone can be adjusted. Newborns, infants, children, seniors, and even failed back surgery patients can benefit. Naturally, your doctor tailors your chiropractic care to your size, age, and unique health problem.
With the intent of reducing nervous system irritation, chiropractic adjustments are specific, targeted, and focused. It is this precision, combined with the purpose of reducing nervous system irritation, which has helped so many people.
What do adjustments feel like?
After the brief thrust, many patients report a sense of well-being or a feeling of calmness. Others feel improved mobility. Inflammation or muscle spasms may delay these positive effects. Chiropractic doctors excel at making adjustments comfortable and effective. It can be analogous to the prick of a needle. Although it may not feel wonderful for an instant, it does not hurt for long, if at all.
Absolutely. A New Zealand government study concluded that chiropractic adjustments are "remarkably safe." Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever is about 100 times more risky.
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
What makes the 'popping' sound?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joints shift. It's like opening a soda can or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it is not a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
No. Some patients can make their joints "pop", but that's not an adjustment! Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.