Chiropractic adjustments use a technique called joint manipulation. This blog post explains what joint manipulation is and how it can help.
What is joint manipulation?
A chiropractic adjustment is a manual treatment from a trained and licensed chiropractor where they use their hands or special instruments to exert controlled force on misaligned bones to force them back into place and alleviate pain. It is a non-invasive, natural treatment based on the idea that the body is a self-healing organism and functions best when everything is in alignment. An adjustment puts your body back into alignment which relieves pain because it takes the stress of the misaligned bones, joints, and muscles.
The technique a chiropractor uses in an adjustment is called joint manipulation, a manual therapy where controlled force is applied to the spine or other joints to move them back into place. Joint manipulation should only be performed by a trained chiropractor or, in some cases, a physical therapist.
The idea behind chiropractic treatment is that the body functions optimally when it is in the correct alignment. In life, the body becomes misaligned which puts unnecessary stress on joints, bones, and muscles which can cause pain and affect how the body operates. Chiropractors put the body back into alignment so the body can be pain-free and function optimally.
Basics of Chiropractic Care
A chiropractor will do a physical exam, have a patient perform motion exercises, as well as use X-rays to determine the areas of the body that need realigning. These things help them determine the misalignments in the spine, neck, or other joints that are causing pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. The time of day you see a chiropractor does not affect the adjustment. You can see a chiropractor anytime that fits your schedule.
A chiropractic treatment is a quick adjustment that usually takes ten to fifteen minutes. A first visit can be longer, from thirty to forty-five minutes, because it is the initial examination when the chiropractor identifies the misalignments in your body and develops a treatment plan. A treatment plan could last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the patient’s needs. Chiropractic adjustments put your body back into alignment. In everyday life, your body will become misaligned, so regular chiropractic visits ensure that the body stays in alignment.
A chiropractic adjustment feels good because the pressure has been relieved from the previously misaligned bones and muscles. Muscles relax after releasing tension making you feel good. A chiropractic adjustment also triggers the release of endorphins, the brain’s natural mood boosters which help you feel better.
After a chiropractic adjustment, it’s important to hydrate. An adjustment releases toxins in the body through the movement of the joints, muscles, and bones. Drinking water helps flush out the toxins and allows your body to heal. Light movements like a walk or a swim can also help stimulate blood flow after an adjustment and promote healing. Exercises recommended by your chiropractor will also help keep your joints in alignment. These are a few simple things you can do to aid your body’s healing process after an adjustment.
Having a stroke as the result of a chiropractic adjustment is a rare occurrence. Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment for neck and back pain, and trained and licensed practitioners are held to safety standards. Talk to your chiropractor if you have any concerns.
Chiropractic treatment has many benefits including alleviating pain, improving range of movement and flexibility, improving posture, migraine relief, and helping manage chronic conditions. The efficacy and safety of chiropractic adjustments are well documented. Doctors endorse chiropractic treatment as a tool to alleviate back and neck pain.
Some Conditions Chiropractors Treat
TMJ is a term for chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, the scientific name for the jaw which is the joint that connects your mandible to your skull. A chiropractor will identify the misalignments of the jaw, neck, or spine that are causing the pain and will manipulate it back into place to relieve it.
Kyphosis is a condition known by a humped mid or upper back caused by chronic poor posture, an accident, or a disease. Chiropractic can often help resolve kyphosis through a treatment plan of chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, spinal decompression, physical therapy exercises, and electrical muscle stimulation.
Arthritis is inflammation in the joints which results in joint pain, stiffness, and limited range of movement. Chiropractors cannot cure or prevent arthritis, but they can alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of this condition through adjustments.
TMJ, kyphosis, and arthritis are just some of the conditions that chiropractors can treat through joint manipulation. Consult a Thrive chiropractor to see how they can help you.
