Are you living with frequent back pain? If so, you probably know that pain medications do not fix the problem. They can only do so much. If you are new to chiropractic therapy, you need to understand that it can address some or most of your symptoms. 

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions out there about chiropractic care. Most of the people who spread these misconceptions never had chiropractic therapy. One of the most common myths about a back adjustment, for example, is that it is extremely painful. Another misconception is that chiropractors are not real doctors. 

What Is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor, also known as a doctor of chiropractic, is a health professional who specializes in all kinds of bone, joint, or muscle pain. Chiropractors can treat various conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They can also complement the typical medical care people receive. 

What Is a Back Adjustment?

To understand what this type of treatment is all about, you need to focus on reality. There are many treatments for back pain. You probably hear your friends or colleagues talking about getting a back adjustment from a chiropractor. Do you know what it means?

A back adjustment refers to a type of treatment delivered through the chiropractor’s hands or a special instrument to realign the spine. The primary goal of a back adjustment is a well-performing, pain-free spine. Many people seek chiropractic therapy for shoulder, neck, and headache issues as well.   

A back adjustment is not just for your back. This treatment can benefit different parts of your body. In addition to correcting your spinal misalignment and relieving pain, it can also improve your overall physical function. 

What to Expect From a Back/Chiropractic Adjustment

When you visit a chiropractor for a back adjustment, both of you will first discuss your medical history. The chiropractor may also perform a physical examination using various diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray, MRI scan, and/or CT scan. 

Your chiropractor will then develop a treatment plan based on the test results and your physical symptoms. Chiropractors use small instruments and/or hands to apply a quick, measured force to the affected joint. Patients often feel a cracking or popping sensation. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

This form of therapy can reduce pain from whiplash and neck-related and migraine headaches. It can also relieve joint issues in the shoulders, legs, and arms, in addition to spinal or neck injuries. 

Risks

After the treatment, you may feel somewhat sore or tired. Some patients also experience headaches. Fortunately, these side effects are rare and disappear quickly. In rare cases, however, a back adjustment can cause pinched nerves in the lower back, herniated disks, or stroke. These complications, in most cases, occur when patients visit an unlicensed and untrained chiropractor for treatment.

Overall, experts consider chiropractic adjustments to be safe. Most patients experience almost immediate relief from their symptoms after undergoing a back adjustment. The main purpose of chiropractic care, however, is to restore the patient’s health over the long term.

To learn more about a back adjustment procedure, visit Ocean Chiropractic and Health Center. We have offices in Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Port St Lucie, Florida. You can call 772-460-9000, 772-569-3000, or 772-249-0779 today to schedule an appointment.

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