Peak Balance Chiropractic

Chiropractic adjustments are the foundation of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors use adjustments to correct mild vertebral subluxations, or misalignments of the bones of the spine (vertebrae).  The word subluxation is a chiropractic term, which in the Latin words “luxare” (to dislocate) and “sub” (mild). Subluxations may put pressure on or irritate nerves and blood vessels in the spine, and cause musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

Adjustments involve the use of a certain amount of controlled force, applied in a specific direction, to a joint that is not moving properly. Adjustments are usually carried out manually by the doctor, or by using an instrument. During the adjustment there maybe some noises that sounds like popping. The popping and cracking noises that occur during adjustments are due to the release of gas bubbles between the joints, and these sounds are perfectly normal. It is a similar phenomenon as when knuckles are cracked.

Before carrying out an adjustment, Dr. Harlow will thoroughly evaluate your case through collection of a health history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, imaging (such as X-rays) and other procedures. During the adjustment procedure itself, you may be lying down on a specially designed chiropractic table. Dr. Harlow will apply the adjustment in a controlled, sudden manner, gently pushing your joint to its normal end range of motion.

There are over 96 individual chiropractic techniques your doctor may choose from for your adjustment. Factors in this decision include how much force is needed, where in the body the adjustment is needed, the position of both the chiropractor and the patient also contribute to the selection. Different techniques work differently for different people. Dr. Harlow has a wide range of techniques to select the best type of adjustment for your particular condition.

Adjustments may be used to treat back pain, neck pain, or pain in other areas of the body such as arms, legs, and shoulders. The procedure rarely causes pain; however if there is recent trauma or if you are new to chiropractic medicine there may be some mild discomfort and soreness.  Chiropractic adjustments help return your vertebrae to their natural position and range of motion, with the goal of restoring health and normal functioning. In addition to restoring joint mobility, adjustments can also allow healing of injured tissues involving inflammation and pain.

References

http://www.acatoday.org/

http://www.chiro.org/acc/What_is_Subluxation.shtml

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chiropractic-adjustment/MY01107

http://www.mdguidelines.com/chiropractic-adjustments-and-manipulations

Tags: chiropractic, chiropractic adjustment, chiropractor

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 at 9:11 pm and is filed under Chiropractic. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.