Who are Chiropractors?
Chiropractors are primary care physicians with focused training on the spine in order to diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This is done by performing chiropractic adjustments.
What is an adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments are controlled, precise forces, usually applied to the spine, to restore joint mechanics, decrease pain, and stimulate neurological change. Chiropractors are trained to perform adjustments as specifically as possible to avoid directly affecting adjacent joints. Many techniques also emphasize the “less is more” attitude; teaching that fewer adjustments applied during a session can achieve equal results with less input. Generally, this is estimated to be one to three adjustments per visit, although patient history and presentation can influence this amount.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic is a system of analysis and treatment that does not involve any medication or invasive therapy such as surgery. As such, it has maintained an excellent safety rating throughout its history. While no health treatment can be completely free of potential adverse effects, the risks associated with chiropractic are extremely low. Many patients experience immediate relief following chiropractic adjustments, although minor discomforts such as mild soreness, stiffness or aching may occur.
More significant adverse effects, such as stroke or artery dissection, are exceedingly rare. According to research, the occurrence of complications from high-velocity chiropractic adjustments range from three in 100,000 to one in 1.13 million. This level of occurrence is similar to other healthcare professionals and within the general population.
What is the ‘popping’ sound heard during an adjustment?
During several types of chiropractic techniques, an audible ‘pop’ sound is often heard. The sound heard is nothing more than gas being released from the joint; just like when you “crack” your knuckles. The sound is not damaging to the joint, ligaments, or bones being adjusted. Luckily, if you do not like the sensation or sound, there are also many techniques that do not cause any audible or require any rapid movements to the patient.
Can children be seen by a Chiropractor?
From the time a child is born their nervous systems’ are trying to learn and develop. That process not only exposes them to a new world but also falls, bumps, and accidents. To keep a child’s nervous system adapting to new challenges, Chiropractors are trained to provide gentle, specific adjustments to even the youngest babies. These techniques often do not require any thrust and can be performed while you hold your child.
