Chiropractic care is often associated with spinal adjustments, a treatment technique that many people seek to relieve pain and improve mobility. While chiropractic care is known for its ability to relieve back pain, neck pain, and headaches, the science behind spinal adjustments goes far beyond simple pain management. Revelation Chiropractic would like to dive into the science of chiropractic adjustments, how they function, and the profound impact they can have on your entire health.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, involves the application of controlled force to specific joints of the spine, usually by hand. The goal of the adjustment is to restore proper alignment to the spine, remove pain, and improve range of motion. Chiropractors are specially trained to identify areas of misalignment, known as subluxations, which can disrupt the function of the nervous system and cause various health issues.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Work
To understand how chiropractic adjustments work, it’s helpful to look at the spine and its connection to the nervous system.
The Spine and the Nervous System: The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae that encase and protect the spinal cord, the main highway of communication for the nervous system. The spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling movement, sensation, and bodily functions. When the vertebrae become misaligned or move out of their proper position, they can interfere with the signals being sent through the nervous system. This disruption can lead to pain, discomfort, and a variety of other health problems.
Spinal Misalignments: Subluxations occur when a vertebra becomes misaligned or dysfunctional, impeding the normal motion of the joint. These misalignments can result from several factors, including poor posture, injury, stress, or repetitive movement. When a vertebra is misaligned, it may press on nerves or irritate surrounding tissues, which can cause pain, inflammation, muscle tension, and reduced function. Chiropractors use specific techniques to identify these misalignments and gently adjust the spine back into its correct position. By doing so, they can help restore proper nerve function and reduce the symptoms associated with subluxations.
Chiropractic Adjustment: During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled, precise force to a specific joint in the spine. This force is intended to restore the normal range of motion to the joint, relieve pressure on nerves, and correct misalignments. The adjustment is typically done using the hands, but in some cases, chiropractors may use specialized instruments to assist with the manipulation. The force applied during an adjustment may produce a “cracking” or “popping” sound, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles from the joint as it is adjusted. This sound is completely normal and is not a sign of bone cracking or damage. Instead, it’s a natural byproduct of the adjustment, often signaling the release of tension in the joint.
Evidence Behind Chiropractic Care: The effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments has been studied extensively, with numerous clinical trials and research studies supporting its benefits. Research has shown that spinal manipulation can be an effective treatment for:
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Sciatica
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Muscle spasms
Additionally, chiropractic care has been shown to improve quality of life by reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and improving sleep and mood.
Chiropractic Care & Therapy in Fort Collins, CO (Just Minutes from Loveland, Berthoud, Johnstown, Windsor and Wellington, Colorado)
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, mobility issues, or simply want to maintain your spinal health, chiropractic care offers a safe and effective treatment option. Contact Revelation Chiropractic and schedule your appointment today.
