Research shows that spinal manipulation can help relieve pain and improve function in people with acute low back pain, one of the most common types of back pain. The most positive research on chiropractic therapy has focused on spinal manipulation for low back pain. As one of the alternatives to pain relievers, the American College of Physicians' low back pain guide recommends spinal manipulation along with heat, massage and acupuncture. Chiropractic adjustments may be right for you if you're experiencing pain and want an alternative form of treatment.
Most people will feel immediate relief after a chiropractic adjustment, while others may experience temporary mild pain after treatment. If you're not sure if seeking chiropractic care is right for you, talk to your primary care provider about your symptoms and concerns. After your appointment, your chiropractor may recommend “homework” to prolong your therapy after an adjustment. During a chiropractic adjustment, your chiropractor will offer you a unique treatment to meet your needs.
In addition, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may respond to the moderate pressure used by both chiropractors and deep tissue massage professionals. At your initial visit, your chiropractor will ask you questions about your health history and perform a physical exam, with special attention to your spine. After learning more about your symptoms and what could be causing your discomfort, your chiropractor will develop a unique treatment plan based on the findings of the tests and the results of your tests. If chiropractic care isn't right for your condition, your chiropractor will refer you to another healthcare provider for help.
You will lie face down on a chiropractic table that allows certain parts of the body (divided into segments) to rise slightly higher than the rest, helping the chiropractor apply pressure to a specific area. After a chiropractic adjustment, you may feel mild or very mild pain in the areas of your body where the chiropractor worked. This feeling usually goes away within 24 hours and rarely affects people who visit a chiropractor regularly. Your chiropractor will encourage you to learn new ways to position your body at your desk, when you're standing and moving, and when you're in bed.
The chiropractor uses his hands to apply a sudden, controlled force to a joint, pushing it beyond its usual range of motion. Chiropractors ensure not only that the joints are moving properly, but also that the surrounding muscles work as well. The chiropractor will use their hands or small instruments to apply a quick, controlled force (amount of pressure) to a joint or gently stretch the joints beyond their normal range of motion. During a typical chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor places you in specific positions to treat affected areas.
Today, chiropractors often work together with primary care doctors, pain experts, and surgeons to treat patients with pain. The chiropractor will apply a controlled amount of force (pressure) to the joints, causing a crackling or clicking sound when gas leaves the joints.
