If you’ve never been to see a chiropractor before, you’re probably wondering what to expect. Although chiropractors are best-known for performing manual adjustments of the spine, there’s actually a vast range of additional services they can provide. Chiropractors work to improve the alignment of the entire musculoskeletal system. They do so in the understanding that when all structures are in their proper positions, the body has the best ability to move and function exactly as it should. During chiropractic adjustments, only very slight movements are made. When people have extreme areas of misalignment or severe spinal subluxations, these problems are gradually corrected over the course of multiple office visits. This is but one of numerous steps that chiropractors take to ensure that spinal adjustments are both comfortable and safe.
At the very start of service, your provider will give your spine a thorough examination. This is done using diagnostic imaging and other tools that will provide more information about your condition, any pain that you’re experiencing, and its underlying causes. Chiropractors additionally ask their patients about their health histories, any car accidents or other jarring events that they’ve been in, and details about their everyday life habits. After making these assessments, your chiropractor will determine whether or not manual adjustment therapy is right for you. Moreover, if you’re not comfortable with this technique, there’s a variety of alternate therapies that can be used. Among these are:
- Ultrasound therapy
- Inversion table therapy
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Therapeutic massage
Many injuries and health issues can also be successfully addressed by making the right targeted lifestyle changes. For instance, your provider might recommend changing your pillow, sleeping on a different mattress, losing weight to reduce pressure on your spine, or changing how you perform various work activities. Even upgrading your work station to include different types of ergonomic equipment may be beneficial to this end. When spinal adjustments are necessary for improving your condition, your provider will ensure that these are done in a safe, gradual, and totally needs-specific way.
Why Chiropractic Adjustments Are Safe
In many instances, not only are chiropractic adjustments safe, but they are also the best way to facilitate the improvements that a person is seeking. Your spine acts as the central support structure for your entire body. It also plays an equally important role as the highway by which messages are sent back and forth between your nerves and your brain. These messages are the drivers for all of your body’s functions. If your spine has become subluxated or misaligned due to a slip and fall injury or other impact event, many of these messages could be delayed or outright missed.
When subluxations of the spine compromise nerve to brain communication, people can experience marked decreases in their immune system functioning. They can also struggle with problems like migraines and mood swings, chemical imbalances, lack of focus, and chronic fatigue among many other issues. In these instances, having subluxations corrected with chiropractic adjustments can be far more beneficial and significantly safer than leaving them unchecked. For improved accuracy when delivering these services, some chiropractic doctors opt to use sophisticated equipment to both calculate and perform adjustments on their behalf. This is known as computer assisted spinal adjustment. Computer-assisted adjustment techniques often produce results in a shorter span of time. However, both manual adjustments and computer adjustments offer a range of important benefits for those who need them.
Chiropractors spend years studying the human anatomy. Their studies place a special focus on the musculoskeletal system. They know exactly what to expect when making specific movements and facilitating specific changes in spinal alignment. These treatments always account for the unique needs and circumstances of the individual, as well as individual comfort levels. Among the most important things for patients to do when receiving chiropractic adjustments is to relax, deep breathe, and follow the instructions of the doctor. Every movement entails placing a slight amount of pressure on the area being treated, followed by a quick, concise movement.
By spreading treatments over a series of multiple office visits, chiropractors avoid producing changes in musculoskeletal alignment at an overly rapid rate. This also ensures that minor improvements gained in each session are retained by giving the body ample time to accept and adjust to its new positioning. With every visit, you’ll find yourself moving significantly closer to your health and wellness goals. In fact, many patients experience noticeable decreases in their discomfort, improved range of motion, and higher levels of energy among other benefits. If you’re curious about chiropractic adjustments and want to experience the widespread improvements that this natural, hands-on therapy can supply, we can help. Call us today at 205-637-1363.
