Chiropractic Manipulation
When people think of their chiropractic doctor they usually think of the adjustments or manipulation that they receive in the office. This characteristic manual therapy is different than that which might be performed by a medical doctor, physical therapist or osteopath. No other health professional has as much training in performing this safe and effective therapy as a chiropractic doctor.
An adjustment is administered only after a careful examination and analysis of the patient. At some point during this exam, the chiropractic doctor will search for restricted motions called fixations or subluxations within the spine. A short, quick impulse to the spine in the area of the restriction will restore the normal pain-free motion of the joints.
The adjustment does three things to the spinal segments that need to be manipulated. First, there is a small opening of the joint which increases the joint space and decreases the pressure in the joint. Often, a popping sound is heard as gas escapes from the joint.
This is the same thing that occurs when a bottle of soda is opened. This opening of the joint also relieves pressure from joint surfaces allowing them to heal properly.
Second, during the adjustment tight muscles and ligaments are stretched. This stretching increases how far you can move that joint without pain by removing restrictive fixations.
The third thing that happens to the joint is what helps take pain away. There are two types of nerves in every joint.: Pain nerves and movement nerves. Pain nerves are stimulated by injury and motion nerves are stimulated by motion. By restoring motion, more motion nerves are stimulated drowning out the pain nerves. As a result we feel less pain. It's similar to the way you rub your head when you bump it to make it feel better. The rubbing stimulates the movement nerves.
Chiropractic manipulation can be used with patients of all ages and conditions and are not limited to the spine. Chiropractic manipulation can be used on arms, legs, hands and feet. The adjustment is an effective treatment for many types of ailments. And while the technique may vary, manipulation is suitable for infants, children and senior citizens.