Chiropractic and spinal adjustment are commonly used terms by doctors, chiropractors, and other practitioners of chiropractic to refer to their techniques of spinal manipulation. The basic differences between chiropractic and osteopathy are the emphasis on physical therapy. Unlike osteopathy, chiropractors usually do not prescribe medication or recommend braces for their patients.

A chiropractor uses spinal manipulation or manual therapy to treat a variety of conditions. While chiropractors typically treat back and neck pain, they also work on shoulder and neck issues, head and neck problems, and ear, nose, and throat problems. Many chiropractors work with athletes and sportspersons who injure their neck and back. In addition, chiropractors work with the elderly to help them manage pain and symptoms related to arthritis and other chronic conditions.
The basic principle of chiropractic medicine is that the human body is able to repair itself, but it can be affected by outside influences, such as injury or illness. Chiropractors believe that the spine is responsible for correcting mechanical imbalances within the body, or that mechanical imbalances may cause other illnesses. They also believe that chiropractic manipulation will help correct these mechanical imbalances and help restore the body’s natural balance. A chiropractor uses various types of spinal adjustment or massage to help achieve these goals.
During a chiropractic spinal adjustment or massage, a chiropractor gently manipulates vertebrae to relieve tension in the soft tissue and nervous system, resulting in improved posture, increased range of motion, and enhanced circulation. Other benefits include better sleep, increased energy, and lessened headaches and fatigue. Many patients who receive chiropractic adjustments report relief from pain and discomfort related to chronic conditions such as arthritis, backaches, muscle spasms, and lower back problems. Chiropractors also use spinal adjustment to alleviate muscle spasms and back pain associated with severe injuries. It may also be used to help relieve pain from arthritis and other degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatism.
There are three main types of chiropractic adjustments: soft tissue, dry, and in between. The soft tissue chiropractor works with the joints and ligaments, while the dry manipulation focuses on manipulating muscles. The in between manipulation focuses on the spinal column, while a subluxation treatment focuses on relieving pain from spinal misalignment, spinal stenosis, and other common spinal disorders.
In some cases, a chiropractor’s adjustments may also involve spinal decompression, a type of therapeutic spinal adjustment. In this procedure, a doctor injects a local anesthetic into the spine, which is then manipulated by a chiropractor to relieve muscle spasms and reduce pain.
Chiropractic therapy has long been considered a complementary medical practice, although in recent years, several studies have challenged its effectiveness. One study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association compared chiropractic therapy to the use of massage and other traditional forms of medicine. The results showed that chiropractic treatment did not benefit patients who were diagnosed with osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Another study revealed that chiropractic manipulation was as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but did not prove that the procedure improved pain relief in patients with chronic back and neck pain.
Chiropractic adjustments provide a non-invasive, safe alternative to conventional medicine that provides quick and easy results. Although most patients experience relief in as quickly as 30 minutes, some may require up to two hours or more to fully relieve their pain. This is why it is important for patients to seek chiropractor consultation before undergoing adjustments.
Some of the benefits of spinal manipulation include improved posture, better muscle function, and decreased stress levels. It can also help people reduce joint stiffness in the body, increase their flexibility, improve muscle tone, and improve the circulation and lung function.
Chiropractic adjustments are recommended for adults over 60 years of age and for those with moderate to severe back pain. Because there is no anesthesia involved, this procedure is generally done under the care of a physician.
Before undergoing a chiropractic adjustment, patients should contact their doctor to discuss all of their concerns and determine if this procedure is right for them. Many health insurance policies cover chiropractic adjustments, depending on the type of insurance.