What’s it Mean to Have a Chiropractic Adjustment? How Does it Feel?

Staff Writer

At some point in their life, an estimated 85% of people will experience back pain that will lead them to seek care from a doctor. Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.s) specialize in the care and management of musculoskeletal conditions and are commonly sought to treat back pain. With nearly $4 billion spent by chiropractic patients yearly, chiropractic is the most used complementary and alternative medicine in the country.

Understanding Chiropractic

The spinal column protects the spinal cord, which is an extension of the brain and is part of the central nervous system (CNS). Nerves from the spinal cord exit the spinal column and branch out like a delicate web to transmit information back and forth between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Because of the close relationship between the spine and the nervous system, abnormal or dysfunctional spinal movement can adversely affect nerve function, disrupting communication between the brain and the body.

Doctors of Chiropractic seek to address disturbed joint biomechanics and the associated effects on nerve system function. Their first step is to review medical history and perform a comprehensive physical examination that assesses spinal and musculoskeletal joint function.

One of the care options is a skilled procedure termed spinal adjustment or manipulation.

Understanding the Chiropractic Adjustment

When a D.C. adjusts these dysfunctional segments and restores appropriate spinal movement patterns, this contributes to more appropriate sensory input to the brain and spinal cord. Several research studies have documented changes in nerve function following the application of the controlled, high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust adjustment.

Here is some insight on what it may feel like to be adjusted and why so many people may enjoy going to see their chiropractor for care: 

• It can feel good…..real good. A chiropractic adjustment may provide relief, and that can feel very good to your body if you have been dealing with issues or pain for quite a while. Everyone’s body is different, so the relief felt would be specific to you and your body. 
• You may hear some noises. Sometimes, when manipulating joint segments, noises may occur from the body structures and tissues in the area. These are known as joint cavitations and are commonly referred to as a “cracking” sound. This sound is due to decreased pressure inside the joint that suddenly causes dissolved gasses in the joint fluid to be released into the joint cavity.
• Relief of pressure. Joint restrictions sometimes cause more limitations than you may be aware of, and the chiropractic adjustment could feel like immediate relief or release of tension. By inducing motion in the joints being adjusted, these segments can move more freely and function with less restriction.
• It may be sore. As in any form of manual medical treatment, there are risks of side effects that may be noticed with adjustments. A systematic review of spinal manipulation in low back pain patients showed that “spinal manipulative therapy was associated with modest improvements in pain and function and with transient minor musculoskeletal harms.” The most common adverse effects were temporary discomfort or pain in the affected area.

Results from the Chiropractic Adjustment

After an adjustment is administered, the tissue and joints loosen up almost immediately after the restriction is removed, and you can feel more mobility and freedom in movement. Everything usually feels like it can move again!

When you know how your spine is supposed to move and feel, you will know what normal movement feels like. Many patients visit their Doctor of Chiropractic when they feel restrictions starting to form in their neck, back, or joints.

According to a Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics cross-sectional survey of patients’ experiences with chiropractic care, it was concluded that there was a “high level of satisfaction with the benefits of their chiropractic care, most commonly related to reduced pain and increased mobility.” 

Individualized Chiropractic Care

When choosing a chiropractor, you want to find one that fits your lifestyle and personality, almost like finding a friend. You want them to understand and care about your goals and what’s important to you.

Doctors of Chiropractic aren’t just there to treat pain; often, we’re listening to you tell us about the activities of daily life that you’re missing because of pain or the trauma associated with your pain. In taking that information in, be assured we are committed to helping you do — or regain doing — the things you want to do in life.

CUKC Chiropractic Health Center

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas. Since our founding in 1922, our mission has been to educate and develop leaders in health promotion and embracing behaviors that empower people to control and improve their health.

The on-campus CUKC Chiropractic Health Center is open to the public and serves patients from Kansas City’s 15-county metro area. Our goal is to provide appropriate care and solutions for a better, more productive life for our patients.