Adjustments, or manipulation as they are sometime referred to, are the minor movements of the vertebra in the spine.
Spinal manipulation is relieves pressure on joints, reduces inflammation, and improves nerve function. It has been a trusted form of treatment since the ancient Greek Hippocrates documented manipulative techniques in his writings back in 1500 B.C. Today, spinal manipulation is used to treat conditions such as allergies, menstrual cramps and headaches.
How Does Spinal Manipulation Work?
There are well over 100 types of adjustment techniques used by chiropractors throughout the world. Some practitioners may use force and twisting, while other techniques are more gentle. Regardless of how they are performed, these techniques are intended to restore or enhance joint function with the objectives of reducing pain and resolving joint inflammation.
The objective of this movement is to realign vertebra that have moved out of place for a number of reasons ranging from normal daily activity to trauma such as a car accident. When these vertebra are out of place, it has an overall systemic effect from muscular to the central nervous system. Without proper alignment and flow of all nerves and systems in the body from the brain, we cannot function at our peak.
An adjustment is often a pressure from the Chiropractor utilizing the hands or an instrument to move a vertebra back into place. This happens with a quick movement and is often without discomfort. You may hear a noise that sounds like you are cracking your knuckles, referred to as joint cavitation. It is the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joints.
Overall, adjustments are an excellent way to keep the body functioning at its highest level. When the body is in alignment, the body is able to respond and perform as it was designed to.
