Yes! Chiropractic care is a safe and non-invasive treatment option. Chiropractors are highly trained healthcare professionals who perform spinal adjustments and other treatments to help relieve pain and improve overall health. As with any medical treatment, it's important to discuss your health history with your chiropractor to ensure it's appropriate for you.
A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique used by chiropractors to manipulate the spine or other joints to improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. It aims to restore proper function to the nervous system and alleviate discomfort caused by misalignments or restrictions in the body.
The "popping" sound heard during an adjustment is caused by the release of gas bubbles from the synovial fluid in the joint. When the joint is quickly manipulated, it creates a change in pressure within the joint capsule, causing these gases (mainly nitrogen) to form bubbles that rapidly collapse or burst, producing the characteristic "pop." This sound is harmless and typically signifies that the joint has moved or been adjusted, but it doesn't necessarily indicate the success or effectiveness of the treatment.
Manipulation involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to quickly adjust a joint through a line of correction, often producing a "popping" sound, and is typically used to restore function and relieve pain. Mobilization, on the other hand, is a slower, more controlled movement within the joint’s range of motion, focusing on improving flexibility and reducing stiffness. While manipulation is more forceful and rapid, mobilization is gentler and involves gradual, less intense movement.
On your first visit, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment of your health history, any current symptoms, and your lifestyle. You may undergo a physical exam, and possibly some diagnostic tests (such as x-rays). The chiropractor will then discuss your treatment options and work with you to develop a personalized care plan.
Chiropractors offer a variety of passive modalities to enhance healing, reduce pain, and improve overall wellness. These treatments require little to no active participation from the patient and can complement chiropractic adjustments. Common passive modalities include massage therapy, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation (TENS), ultrasound therapy, cupping therapy, spinal decompression therapy, kinesiology taping, and laser therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy). Each of these therapies targets specific health concerns, helping to promote faster recovery, alleviate pain, and support long-term well-being. Your chiropractor will tailor these treatments to your individual needs for optimal results.
While both chiropractic care and physical therapy focus on rehabilitation and pain management, chiropractic care specifically focuses on spinal health and alignment. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to relieve pressure on the nervous system, while physical therapists typically use exercises, stretches, and manual therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility. Both approaches can complement each other for optimal results.