The word “spinal adjustment” can sound scary, and many clients have questions for us about what adjustments do and how they work. This article discusses how chiropractors use adjustments to help clients with their physical conditions and what they use them for.

Common Questions About Adjustments

Do they hurt?: Chiropractic adjustments for most patients are painless. Certain patients, especially those new to chiropractic treatments, may resist the adjustment or stiffen and feel a minor amount of discomfort until they’re able to relax into the treatment. Moreover, inflammation may cause mild discomfort if the patient experienced a recent trauma like whiplash. The majority of patients report feeling calmness, relief, and well-being following adjustment, along with improved mobility.

Do adjustments hurt?

For most patients, chiropractic adjustments are painless. Some patients who are new to chiropractic treatments may involuntarily stiffen or resist the adjustment and feel a small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during treatment. In addition, mild discomfort may be felt if the patient has had a recent trauma, such as whiplash, due to inflammation. However, many patients report a feeling of relief, calmness, and a sense of well being after the adjustment; others feel improved mobility.

What is the noise I hear during an adjustment?

When your vertebrae are adjusted, tiny pockets of gas are released from the joints, making a “popping” noise. It’s the same sound you hear when you pop your knuckles. Not all patients hear this noise. It’s not a sign that the adjustment is working or not working.

Are adjustments safe?

Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. They are significantly safer than taking medications or having spine surgery. Research shows complications from chiropractic adjustments are rare and random.

Can I adjust myself?

No. This is dangerous. Chiropractic adjustments need to be performed by a skilled professional.

Can other types of professionals also perform adjustments?

Yes. Some osteopaths (DOs) perform these techniques (but this is rare these days). However, Chiropractors perform 95% of all adjustments in the world. Be careful of physical therapists, massage therapists, or “healers” who make similar claims but do not have the credentials, qualifications, and experience of a chiropractor.

What types of conditions do chiropractors use adjustments for?

Chiropractic adjustments (a precise method of restoring proper movement) are very useful in correcting:
● Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, feet
● Certain types of headaches
● Sciatica
● Injuries and trauma to the body such as whiplash
● Scoliosis
● Leg pain and nerve disorders
● Sports injuries and most muscular skeletal injuries such as tennis elbow, strained muscles, and sprained joints and ligaments
● Bursitis and Tendonitis (conditions involving inflammation of soft tissues)
● Repetitive strain disorders such as carpal tunnel
● Fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain and stiffness)
● Arthritis

What if I need surgery?

Chiropractors believe and emphasize that the first response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative care. However, chiropractors are also trained to recognize when an injury is outside of their scope of practice and will refer patients to the appropriate medical specialist if necessary.

What is the best type of chiropractic adjustment?

The best type of adjustment is whatever technique produces the best results for the particular patient. For example, a diversified anterior to posterior thoracic adjustment may be amazingly effective for a 45-year-old 275lb male, but it would not be effective, and maybe even dangerous, on an 85-year-old osteoporotic female. Specific adjustments techniques are not a one size fits all. That why we have different techniques to fit the wide variety of needs of our patients.

What Types of Conditions Do Chiropractors Use Adjustments For?