The Adjustment

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is know as "spinal manipulation," also called "chiropractic adjustment."  The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile, or restricted in their movement, as a result of a tissue injury.  Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time.  In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer.  Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal.  The adjustment can be made with both the hand, or by use of a tool controlled by the hand, such as the Activator tool.

The chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort.  However, patients may experience mild sorenessor aching following treatment (as with some forms of as exercise) that usually reslves within 24 to 48 hours.

In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic may be the primary method of treatment.  When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may compliment or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition.