| Chiropractic
> The Chiropractic Adjustment
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| The
most significant and important aspect of Chiropractic treatment is
the spinal adjustment. Adjustments are helpful in preventing or reducing the wear and tear that our joints and ligaments are exposed to every day. Why would that be so? When our spine is in a proper functional position, the joints and ligaments operate as designed with fluid motion. However, if a joint of the body is not in a proper position, that joint will not work smoothly. Over time, this wear and tear causes something known as osteoarthritis. There are many different methods to adjust the spine. Usually, the procedures are hands on. In certain situations the Chiropractor may deliver a quick, gentle thrust. In other situations, a slow, sustained pressure may be used to accomplish the adjustment. There are many different types of chiropractic adjusting procedures, some using specifically designed instruments or tables. Rest assured that the particular treatment methods are designed to help your specific health needs. At times a cracking or popping sensation is heard during an adjustment. This represents air going through a joint surface very quickly. A good analogy would be popping the top off of a can of soda. Gases can build up in a joint space like a bubble. When the adjustment is performed it allows the gas to be released. While many patients enjoy hearing this sound, the sound itself does not indicate the quality of the adjustment received. How does a chiropractor determine when, and more importantly, when NOT to adjust a spinal segment? During a treatment visit, visual inspection and palpation are the indications that are used to determine what areas of the spine need to be adjusted. The patient's range of motion in the affected regions gives indications of spinal restrictions. Touching and feeling (palpation) of the spine allows the Chiropractor to determine areas of swelling and increased temperature, as well as abnormal muscle tone or spasm. In many cases, the Chiropractor has had the opportunity of reviewing xrays of your spine prior to performing an adjustment. This is important for your protection as well as having more information about the your health condition. In addition to the spine, other joints of the body can be adjusted as needed. These include the shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, ankles, feet, jaw, and even the head. In many cases, sports-related injuries affect the upper and lower extremities. This is an area in which Chiropractic care has had excellent results as well. |
