Commonly Asked Questions About a Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment

Chiropractic spinal adjustments can be an effective treatment for issues like back pain. It is used to relieve pressure on the spine, reducing pain and inflammation. The treatment goes by many names, including spinal popping, cracking, manipulation, or realignment.

Frequently asked questions about chiropractic spinal adjustments

Here are the answers to questions that patients might have about getting chiropractic care.

1. What is a chiropractic spinal adjustment?

   The treatment involves moving joints in the spine and repositioning them. It is used to address areas where nerves might be stressed due to issues like poorly positioned discs. The treatment can improve mobility in spinal joints and help loosen stuck joints. Moving these joints stimulates a person’s nervous system and reduces back pain.

2. What is that popping sound?

   It is a normal part of the process. The sound is not caused by bones or joints cracking; gases in joint capsules cause the popping. Manipulating a person’s joints leads to pressure changes inside the joint capsule. The sound is made by an area previously filled with fluids having a gas bubble introduced into it.

3. Does the treatment shift the position of my spine?

   Not immediately; chiropractic adjustments involve moving joints to alleviate pressure in them, but the alignment of these joints is maintained by the ligaments attached to them. Regular adjustments can help reposition the spine, but there is no immediate effect from a single treatment.

4. Are x-rays needed before adjustments?

   It depends. Most patients do not need to get an X-ray before starting chiropractic treatments, but these tests can help detect underlying issues that can make adjustments unsafe for some people. A physical examination can help determine if a patient needs an X-ray and if their spine should be adjusted.

5. Do chiropractic treatments last forever?

   No, regular joint mobilization helps treat back injuries and reduce discomfort. The length of each patient’s treatment depends on the severity of their condition, but chiropractors usually have a plan to transition their patients to mostly home exercises. Patients can then come in for adjustments as needed after that point.

6. Are chiropractic treatments safe?

   Chiropractic treatment provides a safe, non-invasive way to address various neuromusculoskeletal issues. Many patients experience significant relief after their treatments, and the risk of side effects is low.

   Some people might experience soreness or aches after a chiropractic adjustment, just like they would feel after a workout. The soreness often goes away within a day.

   Issues like re-occurring headaches and neck pain can be treated with spinal manipulation. It improves mobility in the spine and restores its range of motion. It also alleviates pressure and tension there, leading to improved mobility in other parts of the body.

7. Is a chiropractor a doctor?

   Yes, chiropractors are called doctors of chiropractic for a reason. While chiropractors are not medical doctors, they go through a similar education process to qualify for a license in chiropractic care. The educational requirements for chiropractors are among the most stringent for all health care professionals.

8. What type of pain can a chiropractor help with?

   A chiropractor can help with acute and chronic pain. This includes neck pain, back pain, and headaches. They can also treat disorders that involve a patient’s joints, ligaments, or muscles and sports injuries. They can provide a holistic treatment for pain that improves the patient’s core body health and function.

9. Are chiropractic treatments covered by insurance providers?

   Yes, chiropractic treatments are included in many health insurance, workers’ compensation, Medicaid, and Medicare plans.

10. Are chiropractic treatments ongoing?

    Most people who get chiropractic care have to visit the clinic several times. Many issues require multiple treatments of chiropractic adjustments. The chiropractor typically develops a treatment plan that includes getting multiple treatments per week. Some patients are free of their ailments after a round of treatments, while others need ongoing treatment to keep their chronic issues under control.

11. How are chiropractic adjustments performed?

    A chiropractic adjustment is a manual procedure involving an experienced chiropractor using their hands to manipulate a patient’s joints to enhance their function or resolve existing problems. It is an effective way to reduce pain or inflammation around joints. The procedure is adapted for each patient to meet their unique needs. Many patients report positive improvements as soon as the treatment is over. 

A less-invasive approach

Spinal adjustments can help you resolve problems like neck pain, headaches, and back pain. Call or stop by our Ooltewah clinic to set up an appointment with our chiropractor.

Request an appointment here: https://spine-chiropractic.com or call Spine Chiropractic at

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