Did you know that 8 out of 10 people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives? Back pain is one of the most common conditions in the world, and it is also one of the most annoying. If you have regular or recurrent back pain, a chiropractor can help.
Chiropractors are trained in spinal manipulation, which can help put your spine back into alignment so that it can function more efficiently. But do chiropractic adjustments hurt? If you’ve ever watched a video of chiropractic treatment for back pain, you know that it can be a noisy process full of pops and cracks. It may sound like a spinal adjustment hurts, but does it?
What should you expect if you decide to go through with a chiropractic treatment plan? Keep reading and learn more about it below.
Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?
If you are already in pain, the last thing you want is to experience more pain.
The point of chiropractic alignment is to reduce your discomfort. This is accomplished by adjusting the spine in different ways. The spine is a long and complex set of bones. Each vertebra needs to fit with the adjoining vertebra in specific ways to function properly and comfortably. The ligaments and discs holding the spine together must also be aligned. Most people have back pain in their lower spine or neck. These areas are commonly subjected to wear and tear over the years.
Pain may arise if you have poor posture or if you are very active. Older adults also have more back pain because their bones are not as strong as they used to be. Parts of their spine may start to degenerate and grind against themselves in uncomfortable ways.
Spinal pain can also result from old injuries. Suppose you got injured when playing sports when you were a teenager. This pain may not arise until several decades later when chronic back pain may arise.
Chiropractic treatment can help with all of these issues.
The Details
When a chiropractor adjusts your spine, it should not be a painful experience. You may, however, feel pressure and resistance in your spine as the chiropractor presses on you. This is very normal. This feeling of pressure or resistance comes from the spaces and gaps in your spine where it may be misaligned. When the chiropractor adjusts your spine, there may be a loud pop or cracking sound. This is also normal. This sound comes from the release of air and tension within the spine. This process is shocking to some people because it happens very suddenly, but it is not painful.
If you feel pain at any point during the procedure, inform your chiropractor immediately. It is also important to note a chiropractic procedure is not recommended soon after surgery or an injury.
A good chiropractor will make sure that you are relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. This ensures that you will have a pleasant experience.
What to Expect From Professional Chiropractic Treatment
If you’ve never been treated by a chiropractor before, you may be wondering what you should expect. It is a very straightforward process, and there is nothing to be worried about. You can start by explaining what kind of back pain you have, what part of your back it affects, and so on. You should also tell your doctor if the pain started after an incident like an injury or surgery. Let them know if you have any medical conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis as well. If you have any condition that makes your bones weak, chiropractic treatment may not be right for you.
The treatment will start with you lying on a table. This table will have cushions that are comfortable when you lay face-down. The chiropractor will then touch your spine to get a better feel for its structure and position. While your spine might look fine from the outside, it may be in serious misalignment. If your spine is not aligned, this may press on your spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This can cause pain and inflammation. It may also affect your mobility and can make you feel stiff.
Understanding the Process
A chiropractic adjustment consists of manually pressing on your spine in specific areas. Chiropractors are directly educated to know every detail about the spine. This allows them to have the utmost control over their spinal adjustments. Your spine may need a little push to be put back into its proper position. The chiropractor may also pull on your spine or stretch it to achieve the right adjustment.
The process should take around 30 minutes. More intense adjustments may take around an hour. After the procedure, you may notice less discomfort in the spine or reduced pain in the affected area. You may also feel that you have more mobility and that you are less stiff. While chiropractic treatment isn’t a cure for any spinal issue, it can help to relieve painful symptoms.
All About Chiropractic Adjustments
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt? If the adjustment is done properly by a professional chiropractor, it shouldn’t. Spinal adjustment is a straightforward procedure; afterward, you should experience less pain and more mobility.
Check out our services and learn how we can help.
