Chiropractic Care

What Is A Spinal Adjustment?

In basic terms, the spinal adjustment or spinal manipulation refers to the process in which the doctor of chiropractic skillfully applies controlled force into one or more “subluxated” vertebrae of the spine. The adjustment is also frequently used in the pelvic region to normalize the sacroiliac joints. The adjustment is usually delivered using the hands or through the use of a specialized mechanical tool.

When Should Spinal Adjustments Be Given?

Adjusting helps correct vertebral subluxations. Correcting subluxations reduces pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasm and tension, normalizes spinal biomechanics and more importantly, can remove nerve irritation and interference which can improve overall health and wellness of the individual. Chiropractic adjustments are the only way to eliminate vertebral subluxations and only the chiropractor is trained to detect subluxations and deliver the chiropractic spinal adjustment to correct subluxations.

Non-Spinal Adjustment

In addition to adjusting the spine and pelvis, almost every other joint of the body can be adjusted by the chiropractor. This includes the joints of the hands and feet, wrists and ankles, elbows and knees, shoulders and hips, ribs, and jaw. In fact, some chiropractors are even trained in techniques to adjust the joints (sutures) of the skull.

Like the joints of the spine, joints in the extremities can also become misaligned and fixated. Chiropractic adjustive techniques can restore and enhance extremity joint functioning which can increase the life of the joint and keep wear and tear to a minimum. This is of special interest to athletes who generally demand optimal joint performance from highly stressed joints. Adjusting provides an immediate increase in the joint range of motion and also supplies the joint with nutrients, as motion is the only way to bring nutrients into the joint cartilage and flush waste products out.

Common Questions About Chiropractic Care

Is chiropractic adjustment safe?

Spinal manipulation is well tolerated by most people, and the most common after-effect is mild soreness or stiffness for a day or so, similar to how you feel after unfamiliar exercise. Serious complications are rare. They are not impossible, which is why an examination and, where indicated, imaging come before treatment: conditions such as significant osteoporosis, a recent fracture, segmental instability, inflammatory arthritis or certain vascular conditions change what technique is appropriate or rule manipulation out. Tell Steven Cantor DC about your full medical history, including blood thinners and any previous spine surgery.

Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?

Usually not. You feel pressure and a quick, controlled movement. Patients who are in acute spasm can find the positioning uncomfortable, and there are gentler techniques for those situations, including instrument-assisted and drop-table methods, so treatment does not have to involve a forceful thrust.

What is the popping sound during an adjustment?

It is a release of gas from the fluid inside the joint as the joint surfaces separate slightly, the same phenomenon as cracking a knuckle. Nothing is being broken or moved back into place. The sound is not a measure of whether the treatment worked, and an adjustment that produces no sound can be entirely effective.

How many adjustments will I need?

That depends on what is causing the problem, how long it has been present and how you respond. Care is reassessed as you progress rather than sold as a fixed block up front. If you are not improving in the way that would be expected, that is a reason to re-examine and reconsider the diagnosis, not simply to continue.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No referral is needed to book an appointment with us; you can schedule a consultation directly. If you intend to claim through an insurance plan or through an auto injury claim, check what your own policy requires, since that varies by plan.

Patient Education

Understanding what is happening mechanically makes treatment decisions easier. These pages explain the background: how the spine is built, the role of posture in chronic neck and back pain, ergonomics for your workstation, the three stages of care most patients move through, and our wellness center approach to longer-term care.