What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment (also called “spinal manipulation”) is a common form of treatment employed by today’s evidence-based chiropractors. It involves positioning a patient in a very specific position, and then applying a carefully controlled force through the targeted area of the body (i.e. the joints being treated). The force is often described as being high-velocity (fast) and low-amplitude (not a lot of movement range). Often chiropractors will utilize only their hands to perform an adjustment, although various forms of instrument-assisted techniques are also available. The most common joints targeted are the facet joints in the spine, which are the joints between two adjacent vertebrae. These joints are found throughout the spine from your neck to your lower back. That being said, many other joints in the body can be treated using manipulative therapy as well, including the sacroiliac joints (between the bottom of your spine and your hip bone), the hip and shoulder joints, as well as the joints in your arms and legs.
What are the benefits of a chiropractic adjustment?
There are many benefits of chiropractic adjustments that have been confirmed through scientific research and numerous clinical trials. Spinal manipulation has been shown to provide the following benefits:
- Decreases pain
- Relaxes muscles around the targeted area
- Improves joint range of motion
- Improves joint function (so other areas do not have to compensate for lack of joint motion)
What is that cracking sound?
A cracking sound is often heard during a chiropractic adjustment, and is often misinterpreted as being your “bones grinding together” or your joint being “put back into place.” In actual fact, this cracking sound or “cavitation” is actually due to the stretching of the joint capsule (think of a balloon surrounding each joint) of the targeted joint(s) which causes a decrease in pressure within the joint cavity. This reduction in pressure causes some of the gases that are dissolved within the naturally occurring joint fluid to leave the liquid solution and bubble out. Think of opening a can of pop. When the volume available for the liquid inside the can is increased (i.e. by opening it up to the outside environment) some of the dissolved gases within the liquid escape, causing that characteristic sound upon opening. This same phenomenon is responsible for the sound when you “crack your knuckles,” and is usually accompanied by a relieving feeling or a sense of reduced joint pressure.
Comprehensive care:
Dr. Steve and Dr. Laura commonly utilize chiropractic adjustments in their treatment plans to address joint dysfunctions, pain, muscle tension, and range of motion and/or joint mobility problems. This core chiropractic work is complimented by soft tissue therapies such as Active Release Techniques®, Graston Technique® and other treatment modalities such as rehabilitative exercises, home stretches and Kinesio Taping® where appropriate. We are firm believers in creating an individualized treatment plan that will get you better, and one which includes therapies that you are comfortable with. After all, it’s your body and your health. And we have the utmost respect for that at Bluebird Sport & Spine.
In good health,
Dr. Steve