Wondering what is a chiropractic adjustment? You’re in the right place.
Getting a chiropractic adjustment is a good rehabilitative or proactive measure for your health. The process is relatively simple and offers many benefits to a wide variety of people seeking relief.
But the reality is, many people don’t know what chiropractors do exactly. Others don’t know what the point of getting an adjustment is or what it can be used for.
Here is an answer to those questions, plus more.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractors use their hands to adjust your body’s skeletal system. By manipulating joints and putting parts of your body back into alignment, a chiropractor can alleviate pain and other symptoms.
The term ‘manipulation’ is used to describe the restoration of flexibility and range of motion to the body’s joints. Freeing up space around the joint can alleviate problems and even help restore nerve function.
This can sound like a popping noise (more on this below) but might not always. There are a number of subtle ways to manipulate a joint and free up space without cracking or popping sounds.
You could get a full-body adjustment or just work on specific areas. Common regions of the body that get adjusted include the back, neck, wrists, hips, and ankles.
What Is It Like?
Getting a chiropractic adjustment should be a comfortable experience. The professional that you visit should be able to diagnose the problem areas you’re having treated, as well as answer any questions you have.
Depending on the type of professional you go to see, the experience will vary. Some chiropractors only take referrals through health insurance. These will be more comprehensive exams and may be based on previous medical history or preexisting conditions.
Other chiropractic facilities offer walk-in or more informal appointments. There are some clubs that you can get weekly joint adjustments for one flat rate. The quality of care won’t be as comprehensive, but you can still work with someone who at least knows what they’re doing.
Do your research and look at reviews online before signing up for a chiropractor.
Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustment
One common misconception about chiropractic adjustments is what they are for. Anyone asking, “What is a chiropractic adjustment?” is likely asking this question.
As it turns out, the benefits are immense. Chiropractic work can:
- Relieve pressure on joints
- Reduces muscle tightness
- Alleviates nerve pain or degeneration of a nerve
- Alleviate pains caused by menstruation
- Restore or improve joint mobility
- Relieve stress
Chiropractic work has also been shown to offer benefits you wouldn’t expect. For example, adjustments might improve headaches. There is even such thing as seeing a chiropractor for asthma.
If you’ve been referred to a chiro or are seeing one for the first time, it’s good to go in with a specific goal. Know which benefit(s) you hope to obtain and build your treatment around it.
What Is The Popping Sound During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
In short, this noise is a small popping of air bubbles that have built up in the joint. When a chiropractor gives an adjustment, he or she is quickly and aggressively moving the joint. The motion, which can feel like a jerking motion, might feel strange but shouldn’t feel uncomfortable.
The quick stretch the joint receives helps alleviate pressure built up from air or dysfunction. It can make a loud popping noise or simply just feel relieved.
Most chiropractors will tell you that hearing the popping sound is not a sign that it’s “working.” Adjustments can be made just as effectively without sound. In fact, if you come to your chiropractor with pre-existing conditions, there’s a chance he or she will start gentle and avoid popping joints altogether.
What Can It Be Used for?
A wide range of people seek the treatment of a chiropractor. Athletes, people with chronic pain, and people suffering from arthritis make up a shortlist of the types of clients that seek treatment.
In some cases, chiropractic work is prescribed as a remedy for rehabilitation. After a sports injury, for example, adjustments could help loosen up a tight area. But they also might get used as a proactive measure or to counter things like chronic bad posture.
More recently, people suffering from mental health problems have even turned to chiropractic care. The stress-relieving benefits plus some of the potential neurological improvements made by adjustments aren’t well studied. But some people still swear by them.
What Is the Average Price for a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Prices can range widely. On average, one session will cost between $30 and $200. This number varies so much due to the array of business models you will find.
If a chiropractor only works with patients that have health insurance, you may only pay a small copay. But if they only take out of pocket clients or don’t accept your insurance, you might have to pay extra.
Some chiropractors offer monthly or yearly plans that can reduce your costs. If you think you’ll be seeing one for the foreseeable future, it might be worth asking about long-term discounts.
Is Chiropractic Right for You?
Hopefully, this answers your question “What is a chiropractic adjustment?” It’s basically an adjustment of a joint that releases tension and helps put your skeletal system back in place.
A wide range of people seek the treatment and may use it to receive different benefits. It’s best to talk to your health care provider and insurance first to see what your options are if you’re seeking care.
For more health tips, be sure to check out our blog!
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