Chiropractic is a hands-on treatment that involves manual manipulation of the spinal column. The goal is to restore the spine to a healthy state and alleviate back pain.
Patients will often hear a popping sound caused by the release of pressure in joints during spinal manipulation. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
What to Expect
Managing back pain can be difficult, but using a combination of chiropractic treatment, a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can help alleviate symptoms and decrease the likelihood of experiencing the issue again.
Chiropractic is a treatment that involves hands-on manipulation of the spine to enhance the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. This system involves the bones, joints, and muscles in and around the spine. This approach can reduce back pain or neck pain by correcting imbalances and misalignments in the spine, often caused by a traumatic event or overexertion while working out.
Many people associate chiropractic treatment with having your back cracked, but it is much more gentle than that. Chiropractors use various methods to manipulate the body’s vertebrae and soft tissues, including massage and stretching. You may be slightly sore or stiff for a few days after adjusting, but this is normal.
There are some instances in which spinal manipulation has worsened a herniated disc or led to spinal cord injury, so you should always be cleared by your doctor before beginning chiropractic care. In addition, if you have gastrointestinal issues, your chiropractic treatment could trigger a temporary flare-up of your condition. This is also normal, but you should know about this potential side effect.
What to Wear
If you go to the chiropractor for back pain, you must wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to move in. Especially for women, wearing a bra can be helpful because you will likely have to lie on the table in certain positions that expose some areas of your body. Depending on the type of treatment, you may be asked to undress, and a gown might be provided if X-rays are required.
Chiropractic treatment often involves manipulating and mobilizing the spine and other joints to increase mobility and relieve pressure on spinal nerves that cause pain. One such method is toggle drop, where a chiropractor applies a quick thrust to a joint in the spine using their hands.
It is best to avoid wearing any jewelry to your chiropractic appointment. Necklaces and bracelets might get tangled in your clothes while you move around on the chiropractic table, and earrings could fall out. You might also need to remove your glasses during the adjustment, so it is a good idea to leave them at home or find a safe place to store them before your appointment.
How to Prepare
A chiropractor is a healthcare provider who uses manual manipulation of the spine and joints to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, relieve pressure on nerves, and stimulate the body’s innate healing process. They employ over 150 techniques to adjust joints and muscles with different levels of force, and modern chiropractic techniques are much gentler than just “cracking backs.”
They may use soft-tissue therapy to unwind tense muscles, ease spasms, and release tension in the connective tissue that envelops each muscle (fascia). They may also perform exercises, stretch or brace a joint (Kinesio taping) to restore and maintain function and refer to professionals in integrative medicine for guidance on diet, exercise, and healthy living to reduce inflammation. A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who eases pain, reduces pressure on nerves, relaxes muscles, and stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal by manually manipulating the spine and joints. Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors do not just “crack backs,” as they use over 150 different techniques to manually adjust joints and muscles with varying degrees of force, making their approach much gentler nowadays.
Generally, chiropractic treatment is safe and does not cause serious side effects. However, in rare cases, spinal manipulation may worsen a herniated disc or result in a stroke. It is, therefore, very important that the chiropractor carefully assesses your medical history and explains any risks associated with treatment before proceeding. It would help if you informed the chiropractor of any underlying medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and any medications you are taking, including blood thinners. This will help them determine the most appropriate treatments for you.
