Do you often have back pain? Or do you feel stiff when you wake up in the morning? Sometimes, along with this pain, do you also have a headache? For such body aches, we often take painkillers. But did you know that there are other treatments that can be done without medication and that restore the functioning of our body? One such treatment is Chiropractic Adjustment. Let's talk about this simply today.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment simply?
Simply put, a Chiropractic Adjustment is a treatment method in which a licensed practitioner (chiropractor) uses their hands or special instruments to bring the joints of your body, especially those of the spine, into the correct position. This is also called ``spinal manipulation``.
Think about it, our spine is a collection of small bones stacked on top of each other. When we work every day, when we have bad posture, or when we have an accident, the position of these bones can change slightly. That's when things like back and neck pain, muscle stiffness, etc. come up. This treatment works to correct that misalignment, reduce pain, and restore normal body function. Think of this as a complementary treatment that you can do in addition to the medical treatments you usually receive.
Who is this Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a person who treats conditions related to our nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Just like a doctor who treats pain or dysfunction in any muscle, bone, or joint in our body. Many people turn to this treatment for the following reasons:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Muscle pain
- Frequent headaches
In addition to this, a Chiropractor can also treat musculoskeletal pain anywhere in the body, from the head and jaw to the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.
What exactly does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor provides alternative treatments for your body's aches, pains, and stiffness, rather than prescribing pills. The table below lists some of the main treatments they provide.
| Treatment method | What happens to it? |
|---|---|
| Adjustments | Reduce pain and increase range of motion in joints by gently returning them to their correct position. |
| Soft-tissue therapy | Relaxing tight muscles, relieving muscle spasms, and releasing tension in the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding the muscles. |
| Exercises and stretches | Helping to restore and maintain joint stability and mobility. |
| Joint bracing/taping (Kinesio taping) | Applying special tape to support sprained joints or muscles while they heal. |
| Referral for nutritional advice | Guidance on reducing inflammation in the body and weight control through a healthy diet. |
Who is this treatment best suited for?
Chiropractic adjustments are an effective treatment for anyone of any age, from children to adults. However, the most common age group for this treatment is between 45 and 64 years old.
Most importantly, it is imperative that you undergo a screening before treatment to ensure that you are a good candidate for this treatment. If this treatment is not suitable for your condition, the Chiropractor will refer you to another appropriate doctor.
What happens before and during treatment?
During your first appointment, your chiropractor will discuss your medical history and perform a physical examination. If necessary, they may also refer you for tests such as:
- X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
After these tests, they will thoroughly understand your symptoms and the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan that is specific to you.
During the treatment, you will lie face down on a special chiropractic table. The table's sections can be moved individually, making it easier to apply pressure to the specific part of the body being treated. The chiropractor will then use their hands or a small instrument to apply a very quick, controlled force to a joint. Or they will gently pull your joints beyond their normal range of motion. This will help to realign the vertebrae in your spine if they are slightly out of alignment and release any air bubbles trapped inside the joints.
What is this 'tock' sound?
This is something that many people are afraid of. During the treatment, you will hear a 'pop' 'pop' sound. This is actually the sound of air bubbles (like oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) trapped inside your joints suddenly being released. It's like the sound we make when we crack our fingers. It's not dangerous.
Does this hurt?
No. You won't feel much pain during a chiropractic adjustment. You might feel a little soreness, like after a good workout. But it's not really painful. You can hear that 'click' sound, it's not painful.
What are the benefits after and after treatment?
After treatment, there may be some mild pain or stiffness in the treated areas for about 24 hours. People who receive regular treatments rarely notice this. In most cases, you may be advised to do the following at home:
- Specific exercises and stretches
- How to correct your posture
- Ice or hot compresses
- Nutrition, weight management and health advice
- Treatments such as transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (TENS)
Now let's see what the main benefits of this treatment are.
| Benefit |
|---|
| Helps reduce migraines and neck headaches. |
| Improves body posture. |
| Reduces pain in the spine and other joints and increases range of motion. |
| Reduces symptoms of chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis. |
| Treats minor neck or back injuries, especially conditions such as whiplash. |
Are there any side effects or complications?
As with any treatment, there may be minor side effects. You may experience fatigue, body aches, or mild headaches after treatment. These are completely temporary.
However, there are some serious complications that can occur very rarely .
- Herniated disks
- Nerve compression in the lower part of the spine (cauda equina syndrome)
- Stroke
The most important thing you must remember here is that the risk of such serious complications is much higher if you get this treatment from someone who is not trained or licensed. Therefore, always seek treatment only from a government-recognized, licensed, professional Chiropractor.
Many people feel immediate relief after treatment. The main goal here is to restore your health in the long term, rather than providing short-term relief. That's why they teach you things like exercises and correct posture.
If you have any pain, especially chronic pain that has lasted for more than three months, it is very important to talk to your family doctor about it, as your doctor can rule out any serious medical conditions that may require treatment other than a chiropractic adjustment.
Take-Home Message
- Chiropractic Adjustment is a drug-free treatment for pain related to muscles, bones, and joints, especially back and neck pain.
- Don't be alarmed by the 'popping' sound you hear during treatment. This is normal as air bubbles escape from the joints.
- This treatment is very safe, but it should only be obtained from a qualified, licensed professional.
- Talk to your general practitioner (GP) first about any chronic pain you have and make sure there is no other serious underlying medical condition.
- Because this is a treatment that aims for long-term well-being rather than an immediate solution, it is very important to adhere to the recommended exercises and lifestyle changes.
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