Every year, millions of Americans visit chiropractors searching for solutions to many problems like back pain, headaches, shoulder stiffness, arthritis, etc. On the other hand, many more people are willing to go to a chiropractor’s office, but there is one thing holding them back: fear.
If you wonder if chiropractic adjustments are safe, whether they can damage your spine, or if they are effective at all, continue reading and learn all about it.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a procedure performed by a trained and certified chiropractor specialist who applies a sudden force to the spine. It can be done by hand or with a small instrument, and the goal is to manipulate the spine in a way that will restore motion and improve different functions of the body.
For most people, chiropractic adjustments are part of the unknown, and if you’ve watched some of the youtube videos of professionals performing them, it may look painful or uncomfortable. However, spinal manipulation is completely safe when performed by a licensed professional correctly.
What Conditions Require Chiropractic Adjustments?
People seek chiropractic help for a range of conditions, including:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Mobility issues
- Sports injuries
- Headaches
- Herniated discs
- Back and neck pain
The most common reasons people visit a chiropractic office are chronic back pain, neck pain, and frequent headaches.
What Are the Risks of Chiropractic Adjustments?
Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals. However, there are some risks associated with these procedures. That includes headaches, discomfort in treated body parts, fatigue, and pain. More severe side effects include worsening of a herniated disk, compression of spinal nerves, and a specific type of stroke that can occur after a poor neck adjustment. However, it is vital to mention that these events are extremely rare.
Overall, these procedures carry no more risk than traditional surgeries and medication, which is why many people choose them.
Who Shouldn’t Seek Chiropractic Adjustments?
Although chiropractic adjustments are considered safe, some people are not fit for them. When visiting a chiropractic office, a professional will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and other things to help them assess their current condition.
You shouldn’t seek a spine manipulation if you have a condition such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Bone structure abnormalities
- Cancer of the spine
- Increased risk of stroke
- Numbness or tingling sensation in your arms and legs
- Sudden loss of strength in extremities
What Does the Procedure Look Like?
Once your chiropractor has determined that you are a good candidate for spinal manipulation, it is time for the actual procedure. You don’t need any special preparation beforehand.
During a chiropractic adjustment, you will be placed in a series of specific positions based on the areas your chiropractor wants to target. They’ll apply sudden pressure with their hands and tools, which will cause a popping or cracking sound in your joints. If you experience some side effects after the procedure, they should go away within several days.
Where to Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?
If you are located in the Springs or Woodlands area of Texas, Spring Chiropractic is a perfect place to get a chiropractic adjustment. Dr. Scott Bolz founded it over 25 years ago to help people get their life back on track. He and his team have been successfully using spinal manipulation and other chiropractic modalities to help realign, eliminate pain, and improve the quality of people’s lives.