If you have never been to a chiropractic appointment before, you probably wonder what techniques the doctor uses and what the purposes are. People of all ages visit the chiropractor to relieve a variety of ailments and manage different health conditions. The most common treatment the doctor uses is called an adjustment. This method will produce popping sounds in the patient’s back. If you are concerned about what this may mean, it is helpful to understand how adjustments work and what produces those noises and feelings.
Who Goes To the Chiropractor?
Chiropractic work can be effective for people who are suffering from pain and discomfort in different areas of the body, especially the joints. These visits are not meant only for older patients but also for people who have been injured in an accident or while playing sports. People with chronic pain can find relief by getting adjustments too. Patients who have dealt with issues for years can finally get the help they need.
Conditions That Chiropractors Can Address
Chiropractic adjustments can reduce pain, inflammation and irritation in the upper back and lower back. You can also see the chiropractor if you have pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, hands or feet. Adjustments may also help minimize the frequency and intensity of headaches, migraines and muscle aches.
How the Adjustments Work
When the chiropractor performs an adjustment, the patient lies on a table, usually face-down. The doctor places his or her hands on the person’s back and uses sudden, controlled force to manipulate the spine and align it properly. The chiropractor may also use an instrument to do this. The amount of force and pressure, and the number of times this is done, will depend on the patient’s needs and the severity of the condition. The chiropractor will modify the treatment as needed.
What’s the Popping Sound?
Some people worry that the popping sound is a negative thing. There is is no need to be concerned, however. The noise you hear during an adjustment is not the sound of your bones breaking. The noise is normal and actually good. Pockets of air can build up in your joints. When the chiropractor press on your spine, the air is being released. This will actually reduce pressure in your spine and other joints.
A chiropractor in Dundalk, MD can help you manage your pain so you can have increased mobility and strength. Make an appointment today so you can experience the benefits that come from an adjustment.
Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and what happens during an adjustment.
