Chiropractic adjustment, aka spinal manipulation, is a complementary form of treatment primarily used to treat back problems caused by trauma or repetitive stress due to poor posture. The aim of a chiropractic adjustment is pain relief and joint function improvement.
Generally, spinal manipulation entails applying force to move a joint affected by inflammation and tissue damage, which has caused it to become immobile. Chiropractic adjustment restores joint function and stimulates your natural healing process, thus relieving pain and muscle tightness.
A spinal manipulation may be sought to remedy various painful health conditions, for instance:
- whiplash
- neck pain
- headache
- shoulder pain
- lower back pain
There are different types of adjustments depending on your particular pain and joint function limitation.
Chiropractic adjustments may be combined with other forms of pain relief and joint function treatments and recommends, like:
- massage
- weight loss
- physical therapy
- hot & cold therapy
- electrical stimulation
- relaxation techniques
- ergonomic adjustments
- diet changes, dietary supplements
Spinal manipulation is considered safe, although some experience headache, fatigue or minor discomfort in the area treated for a couple of days afterwards. And rarely, chiropractic adjustment can cause serious complications, including:
- herniated disk
- cauda equina syndrome
- vertebral artery dissection
Under certain health related circumstances, spinal manipulation is not recommended or should be discussed with your primary doctor before an adjustment if:
- have osteoporosis
- have had spinal surgery
- nerve damage ~ numbness, tingling, weakness
- symptoms of spinal infection or tumor ~ back pain with fever, chills, sweats, weight loss
Chiropractic adjustment does not work for everyone and multiple visits may be required before you notice any pain relief and joint function improvement.
Spinal manipulations are performed by either a chiropractic doctor, osteopathic doctor or physical therapist.