Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance performance or a desk worker struggling with poor posture, chiropractic is a powerful tool in the healing and wellness arsenal. By focusing on restoring spinal alignment, adjustments can ease pain and discomfort, but can also boost the immune system and promote better digestive health, among other things.
In a typical manual adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled thrusts to specific joints, using hands or specially designed instruments. A “pop” sound may occur, which is not caused by bones cracking but rather the release of built-up gas pressure in the joint. This allows the joint to glide more easily, taking pressure off nerves. Chiropractors also use a gentle mobilization technique, which is similar to spinal manipulation but uses low to moderate amplitude forces with a lower velocity to restore a joint’s full range of motion without the twisting and cracking.
Depending on your diagnosis, your Atlanta family chiropractor will recommend the appropriate type of treatment for you. This might include therapeutic massage or trigger point therapy, rehabilitative exercises, or lifestyle modifications to improve posture and reduce risk factors for future injuries or pain.
Chiropractic adjustments are a natural, drug-free approach to reducing and managing pain and improving mobility. They support your body’s innate ability to heal itself, and can complement other treatments like physical therapy or prescription painkillers.
Proper spinal alignment is important for overall health, as the spine is the highway for the nervous system. When the spine is misaligned, it can lead to a variety of ailments, from digestive issues to high blood pressure. Regular chiropractic care helps keep the spine in proper alignment, allowing the nervous system to communicate optimally, which can help reduce stress and improve digestion and sleep.
Poor posture can put strain on muscles and joints, causing pain and limiting movement. Adjustments target postural imbalances, promoting healthier alignment and boosting your confidence and appearance.
In addition to adjusting the spine, other joints in the body can benefit from chiropractic treatment. The wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, and ankles can all be addressed with adjustments that can help relieve pain, increase mobility, and enhance balance and coordination.
To determine if you would benefit from chiropractic adjustment, your chiropractor will start with a consultation and physical examination. They will assess your posture, range of motion, and spinal alignment and might order diagnostic imaging like X-rays to get a clearer picture of the root cause of your symptoms. Some people shouldn’t receive spinal manipulation, including those with osteoporosis or spinal cord compression, inflammatory arthritis, a herniated disc, and if you take certain medications (like blood thinners). However, your chiropractor will discuss any limiting factors to ensure that treatment is safe for you. They may also refer you to a medical doctor for clearance.