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Common Questions About Adjustments
Many people have questions about spinal adjustments. Here are some answers
to the most common questions:
Do adjustments hurt?
For most patients, chiropractic adjustments are painless. Some patients who
are new to chiropractic treatments may involuntarily stiffen or resist the adjustment
and feel a small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during treatment.
In addition, mild discomfort may be felt if the patient has had a recent trauma,
such as whiplash, due to inflammation. However, many patients report a feeling
of relief, calmness, and a sense of well being after the adjustment; others
feel improved mobility.
What is the noise I hear during an adjustment?
When your vertebrae are adjusted, tiny pockets of gas are released from the
joints, making a "popping" noise. It's the same sound you hear when you pop
your knuckles. Not all patients hear this noise. It's not a sign that the adjustment
is working or not working.
Are adjustments safe?
Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic
adjustments. They are significantly safer than taking medications or having
spine surgery. Research shows complications from chiropractic adjustments are
rare and random.
Can I adjust myself?
No. This is dangerous. Chiropractic adjustments need to be performed by a skilled
professional.
Can other types of professionals also perform adjustments?
Yes. Some osteopaths (DOs) perform these techniques (but this is rare these
days). However, Chiropractors perform 95% of all adjustments in the world. Be
careful of physical therapists, massage therapists, or "healers" who make similar
claims but do not have the credentials, qualifications, and experience of a
chiropractor.
What types of conditions do chiropractors use adjustments for?
Chiropractic adjustments (a precise method of restoring proper movement) are
very useful in correcting:
• Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest,
abdomen, hips, legs, feet.
• Certain types of headaches.
• Sciatica.
• Injuries and trauma to the body such as whiplash.
• Scoliosis.
• Leg pain and nerve disorders.
• Sports injuries and most muscular skeletal injuries such as tennis elbow,
strained muscles, and sprained joints and ligaments.
• Bursitis and Tendonitis (conditions involving inflammation of soft tissues).
• Repetitive strain disorders such as carpal tunnel.
• Fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain and stiffness).
• Arthritis
What if I need surgery?
Chiropractors believe and emphasize that the first response in most illnesses
and injuries should be conservative care. However, chiropractors are also trained
to recognize when an injury is outside of their scope of practice and will refer
patients to the appropriate medical specialist if necessary.
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