Chiropractors use their hands or small instruments to make gentle adjustments to your spine and other parts of your body. These adjustments help with realignments of the joints and pressure relief off of nerves and muscles, making sure everything is in place so you can move freely.
The quick force applied by a chiropractor can improve range of motion, help with realignments, or release nerve pressure. All of these motions and corrections make a healthier, more mobile body.
But what does an adjustment actually do to the body? What can you expect during your appointment? Does an adjustment help with pain relief and mobility? We tackle common chiropractic FAQs so you can feel better making your first chiropractic appointment.
Common Chiropractor FAQs
What Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Do to Your Body?
A chiropractic adjustment restores proper alignment and function to the musculoskeletal system, primarily through spinal joints but also by looking at your nerves and muscles. A chiropractic adjustment removes tension and pressure from your spine and nerves, allowing your muscles and joints to relax, leading to pain relief and improved mobility.
The realignment of spinal joints, release of pressure from nerves, and targeted approach to muscle tension is so your body can heal itself more effectively. This is why many people feel a lot better after seeing a chiropractor – the pressure, tension, and misalignments have been corrected.
How Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Work?
Chiropractic adjustments are all about precision. Chiropractors are trained to find the exact spots where your joints aren’t moving as they should or where increased pressure has been applied to muscles or nerves.
Chiropractic adjustments work by applying a gentle, controlled force to that area. This can make a small popping sound, which is totally normal. The sound comes from gas bubbles in your joints being released—kind of like the sound of cracking your knuckles. Once your spine is realigned, your body starts functioning better, improving how you feel both physically and mentally.
Some chiropractic modalities, like Graston Technique or Active Release Technique, may use instruments to help with pressure, muscles, nerve assessment, and more. These instruments are an additional resource to help properly align the body and relieve undue pressure.
What Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
During a chiropractic adjustment appointment, your chiropractor will first ask how you’re feeling and what problems you’ve been having. Then, they will take a quick look at your posture or movement to see where you need help.
After your assessment, you’ll lie down on a table designed for chiropractic adjustments. The chiropractor will use their hands or a small tool to adjust specific parts of your spine or other joints. Some chiropractic treatments will involve pressure to help relieve tension, while other treatments will be the traditional quick jolt and pop of targeting the spinal joints. Your chiropractor will let you know what they are going to do before proceeding.
Chiropractic adjustments are often painless, although there may be pressure or slight discomfort for some treatment modalities. Most patients feel immediate relief, while others might need a few sessions to feel the full effects.
Can a Chiropractic Adjustment Relieve Pain?
Yes, many people visit chiropractors to relieve pain, especially in the back, neck, or joints. When your spine is out of alignment, it can put pressure on nerves and muscles, causing discomfort or pain. A chiropractic adjustment helps relieve this pressure, allowing your body to heal and reducing your pain levels.
Whether you’re dealing with headaches, lower back pain, or even joint pain in your knees or shoulders, chiropractic adjustments can be a great way to manage and relieve pain naturally, without medication. Review all injuries chiropractic adjustments treat to help you see if a chiropractic adjustment could help with your quality of life.
How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Improve Mobility?
Have you ever felt stiff, like you couldn’t move as freely as you’d like? Chiropractic care helps keep your joints flexible, so you can enjoy all the activities you love, whether it’s playing sports, working out, or simply going for a walk around the neighborhood.
The chiropractic adjustments help with realignments and pressure. This pressure or misalignment can cause the stiffness that limits mobility. By releasing the pressure on muscles, joints, and nerves, the body is restored to its full range of motion. This means you can bend, stretch, and walk with more ease. After a few adjustments, many people notice they feel less stiff and more mobile, making everyday tasks much easier and more enjoyable.
What Should I Expect During My First Chiropractic Appointment?
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Not at all! Most people find adjustments to be very comfortable, although some modalities may involve pressure or slight discomfort during application.
How long does a chiropractic adjustment take?
An adjustment usually only takes about 10-15 minutes. It’s a quick and easy process that can make a big difference in how you feel, although appointment lengths may be longer to do a complete body assessment.
How often should I get adjusted?
This depends on your specific needs. Some people benefit from weekly adjustments, while others might only need to see their chiropractor once a month. Your chiropractor will create a plan that’s right for you.
What should I do after a chiropractic adjustment?
It’s important to stay hydrated and move around gently after an adjustment. Light stretching or a short walk can help your body adjust to the changes and keep you feeling good.
Chiropractic Adjustment for Overall Wellness
Did you know that chiropractic care isn’t just for pain? It’s also great for your overall wellness! Your body is like a well-oiled machine, and your spine is at the center of it all. When your spine is in alignment, your whole body functions better. You might sleep better, have more energy, and even feel less stressed.
Many people see their chiropractor regularly, even when they’re not in pain, just to keep their bodies feeling great. Chiropractic care is a fantastic way to support your health, boost your immune system, and help your body stay in tip-top shape.
Talk to our chiropractors in Columbia, MD today to see if a chiropractic adjustment is what your body needs. We help with injury recovery, chronic pain, preventive care, and overall body wellness. Get in touch with Elite Chiropractic and Sport Today, our family chiropractic practice in Maryland.
Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, effective, and natural way to improve your health. Whether you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or just want to support your overall wellness, chiropractic care is here to help!
About the Author
Dr. Bross is the owner of Elite Chiropractic and Sport. He serves as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. His unique approach to individualized patient care is based on the evaluation and treatment of the “whole” person.
Dr. Bross is a leader in the promotion of health and wellness. He has accumulated an extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal and nutritional components of the human body. He is skilled in the Graston Technique, Active Release Technique, and Sports Medicine.
