Spinal Manipulation
Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation not only helps to treat acute back, neck and joint pain, but the underlying causes to keep pain away.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Copley Chiropractic Clinic, located in Akron, OH, offers spinal adjustments to help alleviate pain and improve spinal alignment. These chiropractic adjustments focus on correcting subluxations, which occur when one or more vertebrae are misaligned. Such misalignments can place pressure on the spinal nerves, discs, or nearby tissues, often resulting in discomfort or more severe pain. Subluxations can go unnoticed until a triggering factor causes noticeable pain or physical stress, leading individuals to seek chiropractic care.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation, often referred to as a chiropractic adjustment or chiropractic manipulation, is a hands-on therapy designed to improve spinal function and alleviate pain caused by musculoskeletal issues. By applying controlled force to specific areas of the spine, chiropractors aim to restore mobility and alignment, ultimately reducing discomfort and promoting natural healing.
In this overview, we’ll explore how chiropractic adjustments are performed, what happens to the spine and joints during these adjustments, and the benefits and conditions commonly treated with this method.
What Is Spinal Manipulation?
Spinal manipulation is a form of manual therapy aimed at improving joint mobility and alleviating pain. This technique involves applying a controlled force to a specific joint or segment of the spine. The primary goal of spinal manipulation is to restore normal joint function, reduce inflammation, and enhance nerve function. This method is commonly used to address pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and even headaches. By targeting the spinal joints, practitioners can help relieve discomfort and improve overall spinal health.
How Are Chiropractic Spinal Manipulations Done?
Chiropractic spinal manipulation, a form of spinal manipulation therapy, involves the application of quick, controlled force to specific joints in the spine. Chiropractors primarily use their hands or sometimes instruments to apply a precise thrust to the affected area. The goal of this maneuver is to restore spinal alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and improve mobility.
Before performing an adjustment, chiropractors conduct a thorough assessment that may include physical exams and imaging tests like X-rays to identify areas of dysfunction. During the adjustment, you may hear a popping sound, which is the result of gas bubbles being released from the joint spaces. This is normal and does not indicate joint damage.
What Happens to the Spine and Joints During an Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments are intended to correct misalignments in the vertebrae, often referred to as subluxations. In addition to general spinal adjustments, chiropractors may also perform cervical manipulation to address issues in the neck region. When spinal joints are misaligned, they can exert pressure on surrounding nerves and soft tissues, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced function.
During an adjustment, the force applied to the joints helps to restore their proper alignment and range of motion. This process also decreases pressure on spinal nerves, enhancing communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. Proper alignment allows the body to heal more efficiently, without the interference caused by nerve compression.
What is Subluxation?
In chiropractic terminology, a subluxation occurs when one or more vertebrae are slightly out of position, disrupting normal function and irritating nearby nerves. Spine manipulation is a common technique used to correct subluxations and restore proper alignment. Subluxations can contribute to a range of health problems if left uncorrected.
Chiropractic care focuses on correcting subluxations to restore balance to the spine and improve the body’s ability to self-heal. This holistic approach emphasizes spinal health as a key component of overall well-being.
Spinal Manipulative Therapy Techniques
Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) encompasses a variety of techniques used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and osteopathic physicians to treat musculoskeletal conditions. There are over 100 different SMT techniques, each tailored to specific needs. Spinal manipulation involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust applied to a joint, aiming to restore its function. In contrast, spinal mobilization uses a low-velocity, high-amplitude force to achieve similar goals. Additionally, soft tissue mobilization focuses on improving the mobility of muscles and tendons through manual techniques. These diverse approaches allow practitioners to customize treatments for optimal patient outcomes.
Benefits of Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments offer a range of benefits, including:
Pain Relief: Adjustments can help reduce pain in the back, neck, and other joints by alleviating pressure on nerves.
Improved Mobility: By restoring range of motion in spinal joints, chiropractic care enhances flexibility and physical function.
Posture Improvement: Regular chiropractic care can help correct poor posture, reducing strain on the spine and surrounding muscles.
Non-Invasive Treatment: Chiropractic adjustments offer a natural, drug-free approach to managing pain and improving health.
Chronic Neck Pain: Chiropractic adjustments can provide significant pain relief and functional improvements for individuals suffering from chronic neck pain.
Common Conditions Treated by Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are effective for treating a variety of conditions:
Lower Back Pain: One of the most common reasons for seeking chiropractic care is to address chronic or acute lower back pain.
Neck Pain: Whether from poor posture or injury, chiropractic care can help alleviate neck tension and pain.
Headaches and Migraines: Misalignments in the upper spine can contribute to headaches, and chiropractic adjustments may reduce their frequency and intensity.
Sciatica: Sciatica, a condition caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, can be relieved through chiropractic adjustments.
Acute Low Back Pain: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain and improve function in individuals experiencing acute low back pain.