Chiropractic Adjustments: Important Points to Know

If you’ve ever woken up with an aching back or had occasional nagging pains in this part of the body, you’re not alone. Back soreness is common and can occur from an injury, wear and tear, or from other causes. When these pains become frequent and debilitating, you should see a chiropractor. He or she can adjust your spine and relieve the discomfort. Do not trust this treatment to an inexperienced, unqualified individual.

What It Is

A chiropractic adjustment realigns the spine and other joints in the body. Doing this can promote healing throughout the body. After getting an adjustment, you should have mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. To perform an adjustment, the chiropractor will have you lie on a table, usually on your stomach. The doctor then places his or her hands on your back. Using sudden, controlled force, the chiropractor manipulates your spine, moving it into the correct place.

What It Treats

Relieving back pain is perhaps the most frequent reason people seek a chiropractic adjustment. However, this treatment can help with other parts of the body as well. Adjustments can also reduce tension and irritation in the shoulders, neck, arms, legs, hands, and feet. Pregnant women can go to the chiropractor to treat hip and pelvis pain. Adjustments can also help people who regularly suffer headaches and migraines. People may see the chiropractor after being in a car accident to treat whiplash. The chiropractor may also treat athletes who have had injuries to various joints.

Frequency and Duration

Most of the time, getting one adjustment will not be enough to correct a serious joint issue or injury. The number of treatments you have will depend on the severity of your condition. Some people come into the office three or four times a week for several months or even up to a year or longer. Other patients may only need one or two appointments a week for a month. Your chiropractor will examine you and develop a treatment plan to best address your needs.

Doing It Yourself

Some people may try to do a chiropractic adjustment themselves. While you may think this will save time and money, do not do it. Only a licensed, trained professional should perform this procedure. A chiropractor knows the right technique to effectively treat you. Doing this yourself or having a family member or friend adjust you will likely injure you.

If you have joint pain, see a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Wheaton, MD from AmeriWell Clinics, today. He or she can safely adjust your spine and start the healing process.