It is a common thought to wonder if it hurts to get a chiropractic adjustment. With all the videos on the internet of chiropractors creating loud cracks from the adjustment, people don’t know much about adjustments other than the scary sounds.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment Good For?
Chiropractic adjustments can be very beneficial for the recipient to relieve back pain and improve flexibility and mobility. For those who have never received an adjustment, stepping into the office can be intimidating, so learning more about the process can relieve nervousness and let the experience be a positive one.
A chiropractic adjustment is meant to apply controlled and sudden force to a spinal joint in order to realign the spine. Adjustments are great for people with various different problems and reasons. Individuals who suffer with back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines, sports injuries, automobile accident injuries, and other problems can have their pain improved by having a chiropractic adjustment.
What to Expect at an Appointment
Each chiropractic adjustment is personalized and specific to the patient. The chiropractor will talk with the patient and learn about their current medical situation to prevent any unnecessary pain and determine the best approach. The chiropractor may also adjust their technique based on the health of the patient. For example, pregnant women may be positioned differently to maximize the experience.
If the adjustment is performed by an experienced professional, the process should be comfortable and painless. The chiropractor will have you lay down on a table with your back facing towards him and then proceed with the adjustment. He will usually tell you what he is doing so you aren’t surprised when he applies force to your back.
Although most of the adjustment process is in the hands of the chiropractor, there is something you can do to improve the experience. Patients who are too tense can create tightness in the back that may create pain, and it can prevent the proper alignment from forming. Try to relax and breathe during the adjustment so your muscles aren’t tight and your back can be properly realigned. With the combination of skilled professionals and relaxation, there should be no pain during the adjustment.
Why the Loud Pops?
Now onto the scary popping sounds. These loud pops happen as the vertebrae adjust into their proper place. Tiny pockets of gas between the joints are released, which results in the same sound you hear when “popping” your knuckles. This is completely normal to experience when receiving a back adjustment and is not cause for concern. It is also okay to not hear a popping sound. The sound is not indicative either way that the adjustment was performed correctly.
Can an Adjustment Make You Feel Worse?
Once the adjustment is complete, you should feel revived. The initial release of pressure of the spine is relieving and should make your back feel loose. Although the initial feeling is loose, your body may need some time to get used to the new adjustment of your muscles and bones.
Subsequently following the appointment, your back and neck will be sore from the inflammation, similar to a sore feeling like you haven’t worked out in a while. Icing sore areas can relieve pain and calm down inflammation.
Another side effect that some people may experience is illness in the immune and digestive systems. The adjustment may improve nerve communication, which promotes the immune system to function better. This may cause some initial sickness as the body adjusts to the improved nerve communication. The digestive system can also be affected by adjustment, although it is not a common side effect.
Preventative Measures You Can Take
There are some preventative measures you can take to ensure the most optimal experience at the chiropractor’s office. Drinking plenty of water before and after the adjustment helps the body flush out toxins, and lubricates the muscles and joints. You should also plan time to rest and recover after the adjustment. It may be tempting to push through any soreness or pain, but giving yourself adequate recovery time will help you heal faster.
It’s easy to wonder if a chiropractic adjustment will hurt, but the pain that follows the treatment won’t last forever. The most important thing to remember with a chiropractic adjustment is that it is designed to restore the body’s alignment. Oftentimes this means that multiple treatments are needed to maintain the alignment. With consistent care, your back can have a new healthy normal and feel amazing.
