Spinal Adjustments | Back Cracking
Chiropractic
Spinal Adjustments Sometimes Referred to as Back Cracking
When you hear the word “chiropractor,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
If you’re like most, you immediately think about a doctor adjusting your back and the “cracking” noises that follow.
Chiropractors offer a wide variety of treatments for patients, but spinal manipulation therapy is undoubtedly one of the most important and well-known.
Let’s take a closer look at spinal adjustments and which conditions they can treat. We’ll also clear up some common misconceptions regarding spinal manipulation therapy.
What is a Spinal Adjustment?
Based on the term, it’s easy to be intimidated by the thought of a spinal adjustment.
When you go to a chiropractic office like Ravenswood Chiropractic, every spinal adjustment is performed by a licensed chiropractic physician after an examination is performed.
A spinal adjustment involves quickly and carefully applying pressure to the area of concern to restore normal movement of the vertebrae.
When vertebrae can’t move the way they are supposed to (due to tight muscles, etc.), they can cause several symptoms (headaches and back pain are examples) that vary in intensity and frequency.
In Chicago, a Doctor of Chiropractic has graduated from a four-year doctoral graduate school program (minimum of 4,200 hours) and has completed a clinical internship and board examination. As a result, our chiropractic physicians know the exact amount of pressure to apply and where to apply that pressure to restore normal movements of your spine.
Spinal adjustments will gently and safely alleviate the symptoms associated with the misaligned vertebrae. As always, speak to your chiropractor about any concerns you may have. Some conditions can be approached using a variety of different adjustments or perhaps just stretching the area. Again, talking with your chiropractor will help you find the method that is best for you. In some cases, you may be sore after your adjustment (similar to after a workout or getting a massage).
When spinal adjustments are combined with other appropriate forms of therapy such as massage or acupuncture, you can quickly and naturally treat the conditions causing your symptoms. These types of adjustments are also called spinal manipulative therapy.
Conditions Treated with Evidence-Based Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Do you find yourself suffering from migraines or chronic headaches?
Is your lower back constantly hurting?
Do you feel like your posture isn’t as good as it should be?
Do you feel uncoordinated?
Are you interested in increasing your performance in a sport?
Spinal adjustments can be an essential part of your treatment program. This type of therapy has been shown to treat several conditions, including the following:
- Car Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash)
- Chronic Pain – Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- Headaches
- Herniated Disc
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Spinal Stenosis
- Arthritis
- Pinched Nerve
- Sciatica
Have Questions About Spinal Adjustments?
If you have one of the conditions above and want to know more about how spinal adjustments can help, give us a call at 773-878-7330 to learn more about spinal manipulation therapy and set up a consultation with one of our chiropractors.
