Chiropractors are highly skilled manual therapists who use joint mobilization and other modalities to treat musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractors believe that pain is a result of joint subluxation in the spine. They use adjustments to correct the position of faulty vertebrae. The purpose of the adjustment is to release the tension on the tissues surrounding the vertebrae. Frequently, the adjustments help to relieve tension and pain in the surrounding tissue and restore normal circulation and metabolism to the affected tissue.

What kind of education do Chiropractors have?

Chiropractors go through many years of rigorous training. Before being accepted into the highly competitive Chiropractic College, they have to obtain a Bachelor of Science in a related field. During their doctoral studies, future chiropractors study anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-rays and psychology. They first practice and perfect their adjustment techniques on each other, and then undergo a clinically supervised internship in order to graduate. A national licensing examination at the end of their schooling evaluates their overall knowledge and skill, and determines their capability as an independent health care provider.

Why is there a cracking sound with adjustments?

The cracking sound is a result of a sudden pressure change within the joint. This change results in the release of gas that is normally dissolved in the joint fluid. The release of this gas produces a "pop" similar to that produced when you open a can of pop.

Is chiropractic safe?

A number of recent studies have evaluated the safety of chiropractic. The safety of the treatment depends on the proper choice of treatment technique for a particular patient. On a large scale, it has been shown that the safety of chiropractic techniques is by far superior to the use of common pain killers, such as aspirin. Chiropractors have been involved in the management of musculoskeletal conditions for many decades, and they continue to be frequently sought-after professionals in the field of pain management.

What is the risk involved with neck adjustment?

There is a low risk of stroke or stroke-like symptoms associated with neck adjustments. According to published studies, the recognized risk is one per million neck adjustments. With proper patient evaluation, the risk may decrease even more. The safety of adjustments is very much influenced by the presence of risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, blood clotting problems, smoking, use of birth control pills and previous neck/head injuries. The risks and benefits of neck adjustments are weighed and discussed individually with each patient; if necessary, other treatment alternatives may be offered.

See also: