Misaligned vertebrae in the spinal column can be adjusted by a chiropractor.
Chiropractic adjustments are a popular form of alternative medicine sought out by people with chronic back and neck pain. Approximately one-third of all Americans seek out some form of alternative medicine; chiropractic treatments rank with acupuncture and massage care in terms of popularity. Some people worry too many adjustments from a chiropractor can be harmful, but there is no evidence to support this. The human body is designed to move, and manual manipulation from a licensed practitioner is considered a safe and effective form of treatment.
Chiropractic Adjustment Basics
A chiropractic adjustment is a manual manipulation of the spine to relieve pressure caused by misaligned vertebrae. This is known as a subluxation. During a chiropractic adjustment, the body releases endorphins--hormones to counteract the pain while the vertebra is freed from its misaligned position. The patient will typically experience muscle soreness and discomfort while the body heals itself, but these responses tend to decrease during a standard course of treatment.
Chiropractic Adjustment Methods
A skilled chiropractor will employ various chiropractic adjustment methods depending on the patient's needs. During the Toggle Drop, the chiropractor crosses his hands and applies pressure to the spine and then, with a quick and carefully coordinated thrust, adjusts the spine. In a Lumbar Roll, the patient is instructed to lay on his side while the chiropractor performs a similar thrust routine. A chiropractor uses Motion Palpation to determine if the vertebrae are moving normally and Release Work to gently separate the vertebrae with his fingers.
Additional Adjustment Options
Depending on the severity of the case, the chiropractor may employ less invasive adjustment methods to alleviate pain. During a Table Adjustment, the chiropractor performs a quick thrust while a specially designed table "drops" the patient simultaneously, enabling for a lighter and less intrusive adjustment. Gentler still is an Instrument Adjustment, where the chiropractor uses a spring-loaded activator instrument on the patient, who is lying face down. Manipulation done under anesthesia is used when a patient doesn't respond to other techniques.
Adjustments for Other Body Areas
Chiropractors don't confine adjustments solely to the back--there are other areas of the body they deal with, as well. Neck and hip adjustments are commonplace and deal with using many of the same techniques applied for spinal adjustments. Chiropractors have developed techniques that allow them to adjust joints in the knees, wrists and ankles for dealing with sports injuries. There are even techniques available for treating headaches.
Adjustments Needed
The number of chiropractic adjustments a patient requires can vary greatly and is based on his specific medical condition. The chiropractor will determine whether the pain is new or if it's a chronic condition. It also depends on whether the pain is confined to one area, or whether multiple areas are affected. The typical course of treatment is one adjustment per visit, but the number of visits can range from just a few sessions to weekly treatments that continue for years. No frequency is too great, since a person can not receive too many adjustments from a chiropractor.
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