According to the ACA: Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and migraines and headaches. Chiropractic can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Chiropractic can also help conditions like fibromyalgia, and weak immune systems. 

 

What is a Doctor of Chiropractic?

Doctors of Chiropractic also known as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors can recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. 

 

What is Spinal Manipulation?

According to the ACA, one of the most common and well known therapeutic procedures performed by doctors of chiropractic is spinal manipulation (sometimes referred to as a "chiropractic adjustment"). The purpose of a spinal manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile – or restricted in their movement – as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for an individual. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing tissues to heal.

Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours. Compared to other common treatments for pain, such as over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, chiropractic's conservative approach offers a safe and effective option.

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What is the popping sound?

The popping noise that occurs during an adjustment is called cavitation and is the release of gas bubbles which results in a popping sound. The joints produce fluid (synovial fluid) that lubricates the joints for movement. This results in gasses forming in between the joints. When adjustment is performed, the gas is released, and the distinctive popping sound is heard. There is usually minimal to no discomfort associated with the adjustments and pop.

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How many Chiropractic sessions are needed?

The number and frequency of adjustments needed for full rehabilitation will depend on the condition and health of each individual patient. As a general rule, most patients will receive treatment once a week with the necessity of treatments reducing to maintenance and follow-up care.