If you’ve ever had to deal with back or neck pain, you may have considered visiting a chiropractor. But what does a chiropractic adjustment do, exactly? For some people, chiropractic care can seem like a mysterious form of treatment that involves swift, controlled movements and a few loud popping sounds. However, there’s a lot of science behind chiropractic adjustments, and understanding how they work can help you see why they are a powerful tool for improving your overall health and wellness.
The Science Behind Chiropractic Adjustments
At AICA Orthopedics in Marietta, GA, our team of multi-specialty doctors, including chiropractors, orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, neurologists, car accident doctors, and pain management specialists, work together to provide comprehensive care. Chiropractic care can play a major role in treating a wide variety of health conditions. Let’s explore what chiropractic adjustments do, how they work, and what to do before and after a chiropractic adjustment so you can get the most from your treatment.
What Do Chiropractic Adjustments Do?
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, focus on improving the alignment of your spine and relieving pressure on joints and nerves. The spine plays a critical role in overall health because it protects the spinal cord, which serves as a communication highway between your brain and the rest of your body. When your spine becomes misaligned, whether from poor posture, injuries, or repetitive strain, it can irritate or compress nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and even dysfunction in other areas of the body. A chiropractic adjustment helps realign vertebrae in the spine to relieve nerve pressure and also boost the body’s natural healing processes.
The Role of the Nervous System
One of the main ways that chiropractic adjustments help you stay healthy is by promoting proper nervous system function. The nervous system controls nearly every function in your body, from muscle movements to organ function. If a misalignment, also known as a subluxation, aggravates a nearby nerve, it can potentially cause pain or dysfunction. During a chiropractic adjustment, your chiropractor will typically use their hands or specialized instruments to apply a targeted, controlled force to specific joints. By addressing these misalignments, chiropractic care can provide relief from conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sciatica and even improve overall health and wellness.
How Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Help?
Pain Relief and Improved Mobility
One of the primary benefits of chiropractic adjustments is pain relief. Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate tension and pressure on the surrounding muscles and nerves to reduce pain and improve mobility. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or a car accident injury, chiropractic care can be an effective, non-invasive solution.
Better Joint Function
Chiropractic adjustments can also improve the function of joints beyond the spine. Many people experience relief from injuries or health conditions that impact areas like the shoulders, hips, or knees through chiropractic care. By improving the alignment and movement of your joints, chiropractic adjustments promote better function and less wear and tear over time.
Enhances Overall Health
Since chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system, the benefits of an adjustment extend beyond pain relief. Many people report everything from improved sleep to better digestion after regular chiropractic adjustments. This is because when your spine and nervous system are functioning optimally, the rest of your body can follow suit.
What to Do After a Chiropractic Adjustment
Now that we’ve covered the science behind what chiropractic adjustments do, it’s important to know what to do after chiropractic adjustment techniques to maximize your results. Chiropractic care is not just a one-time fix but part of a holistic approach to your long-term health and wellness. Here are a few tips on how to care for your body after an adjustment:
- Stay Hydrated: After an adjustment, your body may release toxins as it begins the healing process. Drinking plenty of water helps flush these toxins from your system and keeps your body hydrated. Staying hydrated also supports your muscles and joints, which may feel a little sore after the adjustment.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels after the adjustment. It’s normal to experience some mild soreness or stiffness, especially if it’s your first adjustment or if you haven’t seen a chiropractor in a while. This is a sign that your body is adjusting to its new alignment. If you notice any unusual or severe pain, however, contact your chiropractor for guidance.
- Practice Good Posture: Maintaining good posture is essential for keeping your spine in proper alignment. Whether you’re sitting at a desk, standing, or sleeping, try to keep your spine in a neutral position to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your joints and muscles. You can ask your posture chiropractor for tips tailored to your specific needs.
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: Chiropractic care is most effective when done regularly. Follow your chiropractor’s treatment plan, which may include a series of adjustments over time to achieve the best results. Additionally, they may recommend exercises, stretches, or lifestyle changes to support your recovery and prevent future issues.
What to Avoid After a Chiropractic Adjustment
Just as there are things you should do after a chiropractic adjustment, there are also a few things you should avoid:
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Intense workouts or heavy lifting can put stress on your spine and muscles right after an adjustment, which may ultimately reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Don’t Sit for Long Periods: Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, can undo the benefits of your adjustment. Try to stand up and move around regularly to keep your spine in a healthy position.
- Avoid Overeating or Unhealthy Foods: Your body may be in a state of healing after an adjustment, so it’s a good idea to avoid heavy, processed, or unhealthy foods that may slow down the healing process.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care at AICA Orthopedics?
At AICA Orthopedics in Snellville, GA, we understand that chiropractic care is more than just a treatment for back or neck pain—it’s a way to support your body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your overall health, chiropractic adjustments can provide a non-invasive, drug-free solution that promotes long-term well-being. Ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic care? Contact AICA Orthopedics in Marietta, GA, and schedule your appointment today!