Chiropractic Adjustments FAQ

​​​What is a Chiropractic Adjustment? ​
Chiropractic is an overall way of looking at the human body. It’s based on the idea that the body is self-sustaining and self-healing. The body is in essence completely controlled by the brain through its connection via the spinal cord and the vast networks of nerves that make up the body. When this system is not functioning at its peak, the overall performance of the human body is lacking.

In chiropractic healthcare, drugs and medicine are not utilized as a form of treating a patient. While supplementation and nutrition are almost always a part of the bigger picture, drugs and prescriptions can be viewed as band-aids to treat symptoms rather than going to the source and treating the real problem.

While it’s often perceived that the chiropractor is solely here to treat back and neck pain, this is simply a small piece of what the profession really is capable of handling. Chiropractors not only treat soft and hard tissue problems such as sciatica and joint pain, but are largely called on to deal with more significant issues. Some of these issues include fibromyalgia, allergies, insomnia, headaches and many more.
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Adjustments, or manipulation as they’re sometimes referred to is the minor movement of vertebrae in the spine. The objective of this movement is to realign vertebrae that have moved out of place for a number of reasons ranging from normal daily activity to trauma such as a car accident.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes, A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” Chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited.

When vertebrae are out of place or subluxated, overall systemic effects from the central nervous system occur. Without proper alignment and flow of all nerve impulses to the organ and musculoskeletal systems in the body from the brain, we can’t function at our peak.
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An adjustment is a gentle force applied from the chiropractor utilizing the hands or an instrument to move a vertebrae back into place. This happens with a quick movement and is painless the majority of the time. You may hear a noise that sounds like you’re cracking your knuckles which is referred to as joint cavitation. It is the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint.
Will adjustments make my spine loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. The occasional spinal joints that move too much, are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can stabilize and heal.
How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each practice member and their individual health goals. Many practice members sense some progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits are less often as your spine stabilizes. In difficult cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Why would a newborn get adjusted?
Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Colic, unusual crying, poor appetite or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato is involved.
Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints “pop” but that’s not an adjustment! Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
What does an adjustment feel like?
Most practice members report a sense of well-being or a feeling of calmness. Since repeated adjustments are necessary, if adjustments didn’t feel good, practice members wouldn’t return to finish their care. Chiropractors are experts at making adjustments feel good.
Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and spinal problem.
Isn't back pain normal?
Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. However, surgery may produce compensation reactions either above or below the involved level. If necessary, these other areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
Ready for your very own chiropractic adjustment?