What is a chiropractic adjustment, aka manipulation?  Manipulation, is used when a movement is needed when a joint is fixated (not moving well).  Manipulation is used to restore normal function and motion in a joint. In 1994, the U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy deemed this technique as the gold standard for treating low back pain. Since the agencies initial findings, more research has been conducted on neck pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and and physical rehabilitation. Each of the study’s findings supports the role of chiropractic care and its manipulative procedures. 

An adjustment is sometimes accompanied by a “pop” noise, which results from the joint’s release of nitrogen gas. A “pop” may or may not occur for therapeutic benefit. To date, many studies of the chiropractic adjustment have proven its effectiveness, safety and high levels of patient satisfaction.

It has been reported that about ⅓ to ½ of patients reports an increase in soreness and tenderness after their first manipulation.  That will resolve after the next 24-48 hours. It is highly recommended to drink a lot of water to reduce the tenderness.

It is common to think that all you need is one adjustment and you’ll be good to go right?  For very few cases that may be true. But for most cases, more frequent adjustment at the beginning of treatment is needed to fully recover.  This is needed because the goal of the adjustment is to make permanent changes to the joint and nerves around it. By frequent adjustments, you adapt to the motion and physiological changes happen to the joint, increased range of motion and decreased nerve sensitivity (decreased pain).

Here are a few proven benefits of a manipulation.

1. Restore movement to the targeted joints
   1. Changing physiology of the joint itself
2. Reduce pain with neurological stimulation
   1. Neurological “reboot” of the nerve endings around the joint.
3. Relaxes the small muscles adjacent to the joint.
   1. Activating the muscles spindles in the muscle to relax it

What to expect:

A chiropractic adjustment (manipulation) is indicated if a trained professional does an evaluation of the symptomatic history and detailed motion palpation of the spine and joints.  Things that may indicate manipulation is needed are limited range of motion in the joint, pain or tenderness around the joint and referred pain patterns. The manipulation technique employs gentle pressure or a shallow thrust to restore optimal motion.

What a Chiropractic Adjustment is NOT:

Chiropractic Adjustment is NOT “re-aligning the spine”.  Yes I am a chiropractor and I just said that I do not realign the spine.  “re-aligning the spine” is a common misconception in the chiropractic world (even among Licensed Chiropractors).  That has been taught to professionals and patients in the chiropractic world for over a century. That is also why it is so hard to re-learn the evidence behind the adjustment itself.  It has been proven through scientific evidence the manipulation doesn’t realign the spine, but rather it introduces motions and resets the nervous system to improve function and reduce pain.  

Have you ever been adjusted by a chiropractor and feel like it never lasted as long as you would have thought?  That is a common concern for many patients. There are a few reasons why the adjustment “didn’t last”. 1) the joint that was adjusted have been stiff for a very long time and it needs to be “re-trained” on its proper function and movement.  More frequent adjustments early on in treatment may be required for the re-training process to occur. 2) The proper corrective exercises were not accompanied with the adjustment (if at all) to help strengthen the join and re-train the proper function.  3) The joint (or region) that was adjusted was the wrong joint that needed the adjustment. (Those mostly occurs when you self adjust on your own at home/work). It is important to be properly evaluated by a professional to know what joint or region should be adjusted and in which way, if you need to be adjusted at all.

Manipulation is not just for the spine, but also very effective for other joints such as hips, ankles, feet and wrists.

If neck or back is keeping from doing what you love most, call (801)235-9944 or go to this LINK and schedule your appointment today.