What is SPINAL ADJUSTMENTS/ SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY?
The term "adjustment" means the same as "spinal manipulative therapy". It refers to the specific hands on therapy chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of the chiropractic treatment is to reduce the subluxation/vertebral joint dysfunction, which results in an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability and improved function.
There are many ways to adjust the spine or related joints. Primarily is done with a gentle, precise direction of manual skill using the hands. Other times, the doctor may use specially designed instruments to deliver highly accurate therapy into the spine.
What is the Subluxation/Vertebral Joint Dysfunction that is "adjusted"?
Subluxation is the "classical term" used in the chiropractic field to describe what happens when one of the vertebrae in your spine moves out of position. The word, subluxation, is derived from the Latin words meaning somewhat or slightly (sub) and to dislocate (luxate). A more modern, "updated term" is vertebral joint dysfunction.
Modern, biomechanical research in the field of the spine has revealed it is very common for the spine as a global organ, to lose its normal spinal alignment and position. For example, trauma from a car accident or Forward Head Posture can result in loss of the normal neck curve. Thus, the word subluxation is used to describe the spine as a whole unit losing it's normal position and vertebral joint dysfunction to describe malfunctioning joints at an individual joint level.
When there is a subluxated spine, this can create pressure and stress on the spinal nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding muscles. This pressure and stress can cause an imbalance in the bodies normal processes as the nerves in the spinal column extend to the entire body and its organs. As time goes on and the uncorrected subluxation settles, there is potential for further damage to the nerve, joints and related tissues as degeneration sets in.
Subluxations can occur in a number of ways. Car accidents, falls, sudden jarring, or trauma are all examples of unique instances that may cause a subluxation. The other occurrence of subluxation comes from regular actions such as improper sleeping position, poor posture, prolonged sitting, or incorrect lifting processes.
Chiropractors are specialists in correcting subluxation and other misalignments. A chiropractor can restore the misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column. They do this manually by using the chiropractic procedure known as spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor, in most cases, will use his or her hands in applying corrective pressure to the spine in a specific direction and location. The manual force or thrust helps restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. In some cases, the chiropractor may use instruments to detect a subluxation and adjust the spine. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to select chiropractic adjustments that are as painless as possible yet as effective as possible, for the given patient condition.
Finally, research shows that patients who have spinal exercises combined with their manual care have better outcomes. The reason is that the rehabilitation stabilizes the body, giving longer lasting results.
