A chiropractic adjustment is a procedure that aims to provide relief from spinal and other musculoskeletal problems. Many people have been trying out spinal adjustments nowadays, but others are still anxious about it. Is spine alignment safe? What benefits does it offer? Let’s find out.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
In chiropractic care, trained specialists or chiropractors perform non-invasive treatments to address musculoskeletal pain and trauma. The objective is to treat patients without invasive surgeries and medications. There are several techniques that chiropractors use on their patients, but spinal manipulation is the most popular form of treatment.
What Is Spine Alignment or Spinal Manipulation?
Spinal manipulation is a chiropractic technique where chiropractors use their hands to apply a short, quick thrust to certain joints in the spine in order to restore its normal range of motion. This technique is often accompanied by a popping sound known as cavitation.
Cavitation occurs when spinal joints are pushed beyond its passive range of motion, resulting in the release of gas surrounding it. While these popping sounds are satisfying to the ear, studies have shown that it does not affect the outcome of the chiropractic adjustment.
Spinal manipulation is often performed by chiropractors, but other licensed health practitioners like osteopathic physicians and physical therapists can execute it as well. Take note that before chiropractors perform spinal manipulation, they will first determine if you are suitable for this kind of therapy.
Also, the results of spinal manipulation vary from person-to-person. However, they are more noticeable when accompanied by exercise, stretching, and healthy lifestyle changes.
Is Spine Alignment Safe?
Until now, chiropractic care is a controversial topic. This is due to the fact that many medical doctors do not support this type of treatment. However, spine alignment is safe when performed by licensed professionals. It would be wise to get the opinion of a doctor who specializes in orthopedics before getting chiropractic treatment.
Some people may feel tired or sore after the treatment, but it usually goes away after a few hours. Any recurring discomfort, soreness, or pain that lasts for more than 24 hours requires immediate medical attention.
What Are the Risks of Spinal Manipulation or Chiropractic Adjustment?
There’s still a need for further study on the risks of spinal manipulation. However, chiropractic adjustments may pose serious, though rare, complications.
- Although chiropractic adjustment is safe and effective for people with a herniated disk, in rare cases, it can worsen an existing disk condition if not executed properly.
- Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency that results from the constriction of nerves at the lower end of the spinal column.
- Chiropractic adjustment of the neck may result in vertebral artery dissection or the tearing of the vertebral artery that supplies blood to the brain.
Chiropractic adjustment and spinal manipulation are not advisable if the patient:
- Has severe osteoporosis
- Is suffering from spinal cancer or bone cancer
- Is susceptible to suffering from a stroke
- Has Klippel-Feil Syndrome or any type of bone abnormalities in the neck
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?
The benefits of chiropractic care are the following:
- It is a non-invasive procedure.
- Chiropractic care targets the source of the symptoms instead of treating the symptoms alone.
- Spinal manipulation and other chiropractic techniques do not require medications, thus reducing drug dependence.
- Chiropractic care improves a person’s range of motion and increases flexibility.
- It addresses concerns like recurring headaches and inflammation that causes neck and back pain.
- Chiropractic care helps the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system function better.
Is It Safe to Crack Your Back or Joints by Yourself?
A popular belief is that cracking your joints will cause arthritis. However, this has been debunked by different studies over the years. Also, researchers have found that people have the same chances of developing arthritis over time whether they crack their joints or not.
The same goes for cracking your back. According to research, cracking your back once in a while in a proper manner is safe and helps relieve pressure in your spinal joints. However, the same research warns people that cracking your back too often, stretching it beyond its limits, and/or applying too much pressure to it can result in mild to severe injuries.
As doctors advise, to maintain spinal health, do stretches and exercises that are suitable for your body and your current spine condition.
Key Takeaway
Chiropractic care and spinal manipulation can sound intimidating. However, with proper research and consultations, you will be able to reap the benefits that these treatments can offer.
Keep in mind that spinal manipulation and other chiropractic techniques will be more effective if combined with a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, and exercise.
Learn more about Other Musculoskeletal Disorders, here.
