Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?

More than 1.70 billion people have musculoskeletal conditions around the world. A musculoskeletal disorder can affect range of motion, and consequently mobility. People with musculoskeletal disorders struggle with daily activities and may report a low quality of life.

In addition to affecting bones, tendons, ligaments, joints and muscles, musculoskeletal disorders can lead to a decline in mental health. Pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders is a leading cause of absenteeism from work. Some common causes of musculoskeletal pain include sprains, overuse injuries, bone fractures, joint dislocation, and poor posture.

There are several over the counter and prescription medications that promise instant relief from musculoskeletal pain. These medications, however, can have many side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, and diarrhea. Those taking these medications regularly can create a dependency. Because of their addictive nature, taking prescription medications is not a long-term solution for musculoskeletal pain.

Many people grappling with musculoskeletal disorders turn to a Des Moines chiropractor for help. Chiropractic care does not have any of the side-effects linked to pain medications. It is non-invasive and drug-free. Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to wellness which involves addressing the root cause of pain, rather than only its symptoms.

Chiropractors use chiropractic adjustments, which involves applying gentle pressure with their hands or an instrument to address spinal alignment problems. Many studies have affirmed the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments.

Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?

Many people are hesitant about giving chiropractic care a try. Their hesitation stems from several myths regarding chiropractic care. There is a misconception that chiropractic adjustments can cause more pain or worse injury.

Chiropractic care is widely accepted as a low-risk procedure to manage pain. When performed by an expert Des Moines chiropractor, chiropractic care is 100% safe.

Some people may feel sore after a chiropractic adjustment. This is due to the muscles lengthening or shortening slightly because of bone movement. Any pain or discomfort after a chiropractic adjustment typically subsides within 24-48 hours.

What is the Popping Sound During Adjustments?

If you hear a popping sound during one of your adjustments do not become alarmed. Popping sounds or joint cavitations during an adjustment occur when the joint space releases pressure. This is an indication that a positive mechanical change has occurred. Not everyone hears a popping or cracking noise during adjustments.

What is Spinal Manipulation?

Spinal manipulation also called spinal mobilization or manual therapy is an effective chiropractic technique that focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pressure on joints and improving nerve function. It utilizes gentle thrusting motions and involves gentle stretching.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care may help relieve pain caused by different conditions affecting the cartilage, bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. It usually focuses on the spine. Your chiropractor may use chiropractic techniques to focus on other parts of your body depending on the issue you are dealing with.

Chiropractic care can:

• Ease headache symptoms. Research suggests that chiropractic care may relieve nagging pain caused by tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. It may help reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks
• Ease back pain. Chiropractic care is an affordable and safer alternative to invasive treatments like surgeries and steroid injections
• Reduce reliance on pain relievers that can have several side effects
• Help improve posture and prevent problems caused by poor posture. A chiropractor can help you find the root of your bad posture and fix the problem
• Help improve athletic performance by increasing flexibility and reducing muscle stiffness. Chiropractic care can fast-track recovery after a sports injury and prevent it in the first place by improving balance and coordination

How Does Chiropractic Care Work?

Chiropractors are trained to gently push the joints back into their correct position. Studies have shown that chiropractic care can release toxins.

One of the objectives of chiropractic adjustments is to help improve blood circulation. A chiropractic adjustment delivered to the spine can stimulate the body to release feel good hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin and decrease the levels of stress hormones in the body. This supercharges the body’s ability to heal itself.

No two patients are the same. No one knows this better than a seasoned chiropractor. They create customized plans that focus on the specific care needs of their patients.

Though chiropractors give spinal adjustments to almost all their patients, no two patients receive the same care. They may use more/less pressure than normal for some patients or ask them to position themselves differently depending on the nature of the problem they are facing.

What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Consultation?

During the first consultation, your chiropractor may ask you these questions related to your health history and symptoms.

• Can you describe the pain? Is it dull, sharp, or burning?
• Where do you feel the pain?
• Did the pain start after an injury?
• Are there certain activities that make the pain better or worse?

Your chiropractor may want to know about your family medical history, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions and if you are currently undergoing treatment.

They may also conduct a thorough chiropractic exam designed to assess one’s range of motion, muscle tone, neurological integrity, and muscle strength.

They may order X-rays and MRIs to get to the root of your pain.

At Ascent Chiropractic, we use a whole-body approach to care. We use different care methods to create a stable neuromusculoskeletal interaction. To learn more, call (206) 241-3836.