Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective for treating a wide range of conditions associated with the spine, nervous system, soft tissues, and organs. A chiropractor in Bowie, MD can help you understand chiropractic adjustments better. Contact us today. However, many people new to chiropractic healthcare wonder if chiropractic adjustments are safe and have questions about what they might experience during and after adjustments.
What Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Involve?
During an adjustment, a chiropractor manipulates the spine and joints to improve range of motion, relieve pain, and open the nerve pathways that carry messages from the spine to other body parts. The chiropractor uses various imaging technologies, including X-rays, Magnetic Resonance, and Computed Tomography, to determine where a problem exists. Palpation and movement of different body parts can also help determine where an adjustment is necessary.
A chiropractor pinpoints areas of the spine and joints where misalignments restrict movement and cause pain. The application of a quick, forceful thrust with the hands, sometimes with the assistance of different equipment, forces the vertebrae and joints back into alignment. Patients may hear a popping sound with each forceful thrust due to the popping of air bubbles in the fluid surrounding the joint.
What Should You Expect Following a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Following a chiropractic adjustment, you may experience various symptoms indicating that your body is releasing built-up toxins or that your nervous system is functioning correctly after periods of dysfunction. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Sweating
- Muscle aches
These symptoms are an indication that your body is healing itself and should not cause concern. Drinking large quantities of water will help flush impurities from your system, and getting ample sleep will supply your body with the resources it needs to recalibrate. Soon, your symptoms will disappear, and you feel more energetic.
Who Should Not Receive Chiropractic Adjustments?
Although chiropractic adjustments are safe for most people, there are circumstances in which it is advisable to avoid them. For example, patients with bone tumors or osteoporosis may experience bone fractures or breaks due to manual thrusts that may be too forceful for weakened bones. In addition, patients with cardiovascular disease should avoid neck adjustments due to a risk for hemorrhaging. Finally, anyone with an inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, should also not receive chiropractic adjustments during disease flares to avoid intensifying symptoms.
Schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable chiropractor such as Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic to discuss your overall health to determine if you are a candidate for chiropractic adjustments or might benefit from different treatment modalities.
