How Does Chiropractic Work?

Here in the UK, chiropractic is an allied healthcare profession that diagnoses, treats and prevents mechanical issues within the musculoskeletal system, notably the spine. That’s the official version…

The reality is that chiropractic care revolves around the intrinsic principle that the nervous system and spinal health influence overall wellbeing. To this end, it offers holistic health care solutions that incorporate not just spinal manipulations, but also factor in the interconnectedness of the whole body.

In this post, we explore how chiropractic works, explain techniques like ‘adjustments’, discuss spinal misalignments, and more. Everything you need to know about chiropractic in fact…

What Is A Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment, also known as a spinal manipulation, is a manual procedure where a chiropractor uses their hands or an instrument to apply a controlled force to a spinal joint.

Whilst it sounds scary, the goal of an adjustment is to realign vertebrae to improve spinal mobility and overall physical function and reduce nerve irritability.

What Is A Spinal Misalignment (Subluxation) And What Causes It?

A spinal misalignment, or subluxation, is a misaligned vertebra. It simply means that one or more vertebrae have moved out of alignment in the spinal column. As a result, the small gaps between the affected vertebrae may get compressed.

These small gaps are important for several reasons. They create spaces for the cushioning discs that stop your vertebrae from rubbing together and give your vertebrae room to flex properly. They also provide access to the major nerves feeding out from the spinal cord.

So, when the gap is compressed, it can impinge on the nerve running through it. Also, depending on the condition of your spinal discs, it may allow your vertebrae to rub together as well. Both conditions can lead to varying degrees of back pain, inflammation, and impaired function!

The most common causes of spinal misalignments are things like:

• Poor posture
• Accidents
• Falls, and
• Repetitive stress injuries

Identifying and correcting spinal misalignments is a core aspect of chiropractic care.

How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?

Chiropractic adjustments release restricted individual vertebrae in the spine. When a chiropractor performs one, they apply a specific force in a precise direction to the restricted vertebra.

This force helps the joints of the vertebra to move more freely and realign the spine. It also helps relieve pressure on the surrounding connective tissue and nerves. Over time, chiropractic adjustments can:

• Reduce pain 
• Improve mobility
• Restore normal function to the joints and surrounding muscles, and
• Improve overall health and wellbeing.

How Do Chiropractors Know Where To Adjust?

Good question! Chiropractors use a combination of diagnostic tools and techniques to determine where adjustments are needed. These include physical examinations, patient history, and various other analytical technologies.

Chiropractors may also use palpation, a procedure where they use their hands to feel along the spine and detect misalignments, muscle tension, and restricted movement. Using this information, they can then create a customised treatment plan for you.

How Does A Chiropractor Perform A Chiropractic Adjustment?

When performing a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor first positions the patient on a specialised, padded table.

He, or she, then uses their hands, or a small instrument, to apply a swift, controlled force to a specific joint.

The thrust or force aims to move the joint beyond its normal range of motion whilst at the same time being careful not to exceed its physical limits. This is where that infamous popping or cracking sound may be heard. Whilst it sounds ominous, it’s simply gas bubbles being released from the manipulated joint.

Who Can Benefit From A Chiropractic Adjustment?

People of all ages can benefit from chiropractic adjustments – infants, children, pregnant women, athletes, the elderly, and ‘regular’ adults.

Chiropractic care can also be beneficial for improving performance and injury prevention, an important consideration for athletes and physically active people.

Even if you don’t suffer from any specific symptoms, you may still benefit from regular adjustments as part of a proactive wellness routine.

Common Conditions That Can Be Treated With Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments are effective in treating a range of conditions, such as:

• Lower back pain – this is one of the most common reasons for seeking chiropractic care.
• Neck pain – another common type of pain we see in chiropractic care. Neck pain, particularly mechanical neck pain, is often related to poor posture or strain.
• Joint pain – joint pain in the shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles is commonly helped by chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies like exercise routines.
• Headaches and migraines – chiropractic care is regularly used to improve spinal function, particularly in the neck, the origin of cervicogenic headaches. It can be beneficial for migraines and sinus headaches as well.
• Sciatica – this is a painful condition caused by irritation of the roots of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. It is commonly treated by spinal manipulations and chiropractic care.
• Minor Sports injuries – athletes often seek chiropractic adjustments for strains and sprains related to spinal misalignments and joint injuries.

Conclusion: How Does Chiropractic Work?

Chiropractic focuses on the interconnected relationship between the spine and the nervous system.

By using carefully targeted, precise spinal adjustments combined with supportive holistic therapies, chiropractors aim to correct misaligned vertebrae, reduce nerve interference, and improve your overall health, and musculoskeletal wellbeing.

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