What Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a medical procedure where an individual with appropriate training manipulates your spine. The individual or chiropractor uses an instrument or their hands to apply pressure to the spinal joint. Chiropractic adjustments help improve your physical function by refining the motion of the backbone. 

The procedure helps treat chronic headaches, neck pain, and lower back pain. The therapy has several steps, beginning with:

Consultation

The first visit to your chiropractor is similar to any other form of treatment. You will need to answer a questionnaire on your past and current medical history. It enquires about past and existing health status. 

They will also need to know about your current treatments and medications, plus your expectations. You will fill out an additional document if the cause of your condition is a result of an accident or work-related.

Next, the chiropractor will discuss with you the treatment regimen they recommend. They may use a depiction of the human body to figure out the areas of concern. At this point, you can ask any questions about the procedure.

Physical Exam

The chiropractor will perform a quick physical exam during your first visit. A more thorough one follows, where they identify the particular areas causing you discomfort and pain. The exam focuses on sections of the body close to where you may be suffering. If the pain is coming from your knee or leg, they may also need to check your back. They do this to single out the root cause of the pain you are experiencing.

The physical exams may also involve strength and scope of motion tests. These help the physician pinpoint the areas of your body with weakness. After this, the chiropractor will compile your course of treatment that will address your condition.

Chiropractic Adjustment Therapy

Once you are past the first two steps, the next thing is scheduling the first therapy treatment. During this initial appointment, your chiropractor may perform a few adjustments. They ensure that your joints and bones are in proper alignment. Doing this may alleviate symptoms like stiffness, weakness, and pain.

The therapy involves diverse techniques such as applying short, high-velocity thrusts on the area. They may also use the joint cavitation technique. It helps reduce pressure by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. Initial treatment may not result in immediate comfort. You may feel some discomfort in your muscles.

What to Expect During Treatment

While undergoing adjustments, you may hear some crunching, popping, or cracking sounds. It is natural, though others may find this somewhat odd. These noises usually occur during cavitation. The synovial fluid in your joints makes this noise as it releases the pent-up pressure inside it during the procedure. 

It is similar to the sound you hear when you crack your fingers. The release of tension gives you a pleasant, warm feeling. During treatment like subluxation, your bones and muscles must relearn their functions and optimal positions.

Side Effects

Chiropractic adjustments have some side effects, especially if it is your first time. Some side effects may include soreness, stiffness, aching, and fatigue. Do not worry about these since they are normal and subside within the next 24 hours. The side effects will reduce as you proceed with treatment. If you want to soothe the soreness and aches, use an icepack on the specific areas.

For more on what happens during chiropractic adjustments, visit Knecht Chiropractic Center at our Sanford, North Carolina office. Call (919) 629-0400 to schedule an appointment today.