A chiropractor is a medical specialist who treats conditions of the spine and musculoskeletal system. In many cases chiropractic treatment involves physical manipulation of the vertebrae in your back, which is referred to as a chiropractic adjustment. Proper spinal alignment allows your body to move with full range of motion the way it is supposed to. Improper spinal alignment can cause pain and restricted movement.
If you’re considering starting chiropractic treatment for the first time, you may have some questions about what to expect. For example, you are probably wondering what happens when a chiropractor adjusts your back. Here’s a description of a typical chiropractic adjustment.
Chiropractic Adjustment of the Spine
During a chiropractic adjustment your chiropractor will apply pressure or force to your spine and possibly other joints. The force must be applied suddenly, but is not typically painful. Usually the adjustment feels like a release and often relieves pain almost immediately. Any residual pain felt afterwards can typically be managed by traditional pain relief methods.
What Can I Expect at the Chiropractor’s Office?
At your chiropractor’s office you will typically lay on a special padded table that is made for chiropractic adjustments. At times you may lay face down and other times you may lay on one side or the other. Your chiropractor will apply force and move your body in specific ways that help to realign the spine and other joints in order to relieve pain and restore range of motion.
At your first appointment you may need to have X-Rays or other diagnostic tests done to determine what conditions you may have. Your chiropractor will use this information to determine the best course of treatment.
Is it Bad to Hear a Cracking or Popping Sound?
You may hear various cracking or popping sounds as you undergo a chiropractic adjustment, which is just the sound of air escaping from the fluid filled spaces around your joints. This is perfectly normal and occurs with many patients. Cracking is a positive sound that means your bones and joints are being relieved of pressure.
How Often Should I Go to the Chiropractor?
You may be wondering: how often should you see a chiropractor? There is no definite schedule that works for everyone. How often you go will depend on your individual needs. Your chiropractor will make a recommendation on the frequency of treatment based on the diagnostic tests and information gained from you during your consultation. You may start out going more often and then less frequently as your symptoms improve.
What Can I Expect After Chiropractic Treatment?
You may experience some mild soreness immediately after or in the first 24-48 hours following a chiropractic treatment. This can be treated with over the counter pain relievers and by applying ice to the affected area. After the first application of ice, you may want to apply heat via a heating pad to your back or wherever you feel sore.
With experience you will likely find that you are less sore or have no pain at all following a chiropractic adjustment. As with anything else you experience regularly, your body will get used to it.
Experience Relief With Kim Chiropractic & Rehab
Are you burdened with back pain, joint pain, and limited mobility? Kim Chiropractic and Rehab can help you get relief. We provide a full range of chiropractic services to relieve your pain and help you move more easily. Kim Chiropractic is currently accepting new patients and our staff is ready to provide the care and treatment you need to live your life to the fullest. Back pain is one of the most common problems affecting the musculoskeletal system, but it doesn’t have to be your problem anymore.
We have convenient locations in Centreville, Columbia, and Rockville. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to providing you with the chiropractic care you need to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
