What is a chiropractic adjustment?
Also known as a spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), Chiropractic Adjustment is a procedure used by highly skilled doctors of Chiropractic.
Chiropractors perform the adjustment with a small instrument or their hands, using a specific amount of quick force, applied in a single direction to a particular joint.
An adjustment is a quick and gentle movement that’s not painful.
At all AICA offices, our Chiropractic physicians use a specific table to carry out procedures. We use a gravity table to perform adjustments, which allows us to use the precise amount of force necessary for the patient’s body.
What does the Chiropractic Adjustment do?
The goal of the adjustment is to correct or remove subluxations that build within your spine, back, and neck.
These subluxations (which can result from mental, chemical, and physical stressors) occur when one or more spinal vertebrae move out of position and create irritation or stress on nearby nerves, preventing the body from functioning optimally.
The Chiropractic Adjustment helps to reduce or eliminate any interference with the nervous system, and improve spinal function and overall health.
What is that sound I hear?
Sometimes the adjustment can produce a sound. Patients often ask, ‘what’s that “cracking” or “popping” sound?’
Our practitioners explain to each patient that when joints are moved to their end range, a combination of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide is released from the joint capsule, called joint cavitation.
This release of gas creates that “popping” sound you hear.
Often, people who haven’t experienced Chiropractic are unnerved by this sound, and some are afraid it’s their bones breaking. However, this isn’t true, and the noise is nothing to be alarmed by.
Is the adjustment painful?
No, the adjustment is not painful. Some patients will experience some ache or soreness after an adjustment. However, this is short-lived and comparable to the pain you may feel after moderate exercise.
Often, the adjustment has the opposite effect, and it relieves or resolves pain immediately.
In general, I find that my patients often feel relief right after their adjustment. My patients often say they’re feeling better, feeling lighter, breathing better and thinking more clearly.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
There are more than 300 ways to set the spine. Each patient is adjusted based on their needs and body type.
Chiropractors know many different methods to deliver the best adjustment for the particular patient.
