Chiropractic care is a form of manual therapy which resolves around the diagnosis management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The primary goal of chiropractic care is about reducing pain, helping the body move better and getting you back to doing what you love. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques and modalities to treat different musculoskeletal conditions of which joint manipulations, or ‘adjustments’, are what we’re most well known for.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a technique used by our practitioners to help restore joint mobility, relieve muscle tension and nerve stimulation. The adjustment involves delivering a short, controlled high velocity thrust to a restricted joint in the direction it normally moves in. From this, nerve receptors within the joint become stimulated reducing pain signals from the joint. The stimulation causes increased movement, decreased muscle spasm to surrounding muscles and decrease pain.
A ‘crack’ or ‘pop’ sound is commonly heard following an adjustment, which is completely normal. The sound itself comes from the popping of a small air bubble that you have in your joints- similar to how you crack your knuckles. In our joints, there’s a capsule that surrounds the bones that join together which is filled with fluid that helps with lubrication to assist with movement. (Similar to how your engine has oil- thankfully, our oil doesn’t need changing every so often). During the adjustment, the joint is stretched open which creates a vacuum and causes the gas bubble to POP or CRACK. The gas then takes about 15 minutes to form in the joint which is why you then keep cracking/popping the joint over and over again. It’s also important to note, the cracking sound doesn’t mean if the adjustment was a success or not. The important aspect about the adjustment manoeuvre is to affect the joint in a positive way which can be achieved even without the audible sounds.
Are adjustments safe?
There is a perception that adjustments from chiropractors are moving joints out of place are dangerous. However, the adjustments performed by chiropractors are not actually “moving the joints into place” but rather facilitating the desired movement of the joint, stimulating the nervous system, improving function and decreasing pain. There is an abundance of research to show that adjustments are not only safe, but a very useful technique when used in conjunction with other therapies such as soft tissue release, dry needling and exercise.
Benefits of chiropractic adjustments include:
- Decreased pain
- Increased range of motion
- Decreased muscle tension and spasm
- Increased activity and long-term benefits when coupled with exercise programs
Here at Health House Clinics, chiropractic adjustments is just one of the many different techniques used by our qualified practitioners to assist with treating the cause of your problem. If you are currently experiencing any ongoing pain, tight muscles or just in need for any health advice, don’t hesitate to chat to any of our practitioners.
By Dr Robert Cheung
Chiropractor
To find out more, contact us on (02) 95248862 or email us at info@healthhouseclinics.com.au
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