A Chiropractic Adjustment
What is beneficial about a chiropractic adjustment? Is it the gratifying “popping” sound you sometimes hear? Is the reward in lying on the table and relaxing until the doctor comes into the room? While those are things you will probably experience visiting a chiropractic office, neither explains nor defines the true benefits of chiropractic adjustments.
Goals
The ultimate goals of chiropractic adjustments are to increase mobility and range of motion in the joints and decrease general discomfort, adhesions and nerve pain. A chiropractic adjustment may also increase mechanoreceptors, which are nerve receptors that deal with motion and pain from movement, and immune response in the body as well. Commonly, a chiropractor will apply gentle pressure and precise movements during an adjustment, at which time the patient may hear the “popping” sound, however this sound is not necessary for a successful manipulation. The sections of the spine that a chiropractor will adjust are called the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral sections. Many chiropractors will also adjust various joints of the limbs as well as hips.
Benefits
The benefits of chiropractic adjustments are an increased amount of nutrients to the area due to increased circulation as well as an increase in endorphins, which will relax that area of the spine that was adjusted. Many chiropractic physicians will also aid the adjustment with treatments of ultrasound, electric stimulation, traction and massage therapy to heighten the benefits of the adjustment.
References Cited in this Article
