What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Back Adjustments?
Chiropractic adjustment is a procedure a trained chiropractor uses to apply controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of this procedure is to correct structural spinal alignment, which should improve the body’s physical function. Chiropractic adjustment is most commonly used for lower back pain, headaches and neck pain.
This procedure is based on the belief that:
- The body has the natural ability to heal itself
- The nerves, joints, bones and muscles of the body are closely connected for healthy function
- Chiropractic treatment helps the body balance the structures and functions to promote self-healing
Chiropractic adjustments should be only performed by a trained, licensed chiropractor. They are specifically trained in the evaluation and treatment of spinal conditions. Today, hospitals and private practices are working with chiropractic doctors for effective, reliable and fast back pain relief. The patient may be required to visit the doctor several times before the treatment is complete. The number of times will depend on the problem and the treatment required. Many health insurance companies pay for chiropractic care, but there may be a limit to the number of visits allowed during a particular time period.
When two or more vertebrae are not working together properly, a person may experience discomfort, back pain, decreased mobility and other symptoms. Called subluxation, this dislocation can cause the brain and body to have impaired nerve coordination. This interferes with the normal functioning of the body’s organs and tissues.
Some of the symptoms of subluxation around the joints of the spine are:
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Tingling
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Spasm
The large majority of people who seek chiropractic care do so for pain in the back. The pain may be the result of a sports injury, an auto or skiing accident or muscle strain. The aim is to allow the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Sometimes chiropractic care is used in conjunction with massage, electrical stimulation, weight loss, heat or ice and exercise.
The main benefits of chiropractic care are:
- Better posture
- Improved movement in the back, shoulders, neck and torso
- Relief from back and neck pain as well as headaches
- Prevention of muscle and joint injuries
- Better athletic performance
- Relief of back ache from pregnancy
- Improved flexibility
- Correction of foot and walking problems
A visit to a chiropractor starts with a consultation where the doctor takes a case history. The doctor will perform an examination to evaluate the nature of the problem, and a series of physical tests will be given. The doctor may recommend x-rays or diagnostic tests. When the doctor completes the tests, he or she will explain the problem to the patient and recommend treatment that takes into consideration the patient’s activity levels, health habits and stress. The doctor may also recommend changes in lifestyle, diet and work environment.