Before visiting a chiropractor's office, many patients want to know "what is spinal manipulation?" It's a popular form of chiropractic spinal adjustment that professionals also refer to as manipulative correction. This type of chiropractic adjustment involves hands-on treatment and instrument-assisted therapies to apply pressure and thrusts to specific areas to treat pain, injury and increase overall wellness.
Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most common forms of in-office treatment. Regular spinal manipulation can help mobilize the spine, stabilize joints, improve energy, and treat various chronic medical conditions. Corrective manipulation can help improve flexibility and range of motion in patients and is one of the top techniques that chiropractors use to help relieve pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and more.
At ChiroCare of Florida, our doctors specialize in this type of chiropractic adjustment. With nine offices throughout South Florida, we help countless residents to achieve their pain-relief and wellness goals through a combination of therapies and techniques. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What Is Spinal Manipulation?
Spinal manipulation is a non-invasive treatment process that helps address various medical conditions and everyday causes of pain. It helps align the spine with the rest of your nervous system as a chiropractor applies targeted thrusts to the spine's vertebrae. This results in proper positioning and stress relief in areas suffering from a subluxation or misalignment.
Spinal manipulation takes place in short, abrupt movements. You're likely to hear that famous "crack" or "pop" that comes to mind when you think of a chiropractic adjustment, and many patients report feeling an immediate sense of pleasant relief. The process promotes healthy blood flow, can relieve tension on the surrounding soft tissue, and leads to a feeling of relaxation.
Additionally, your chiropractor will help mobilize any affected joints, such as your shoulders or hips, and may recommend massage therapy to maintain limberness. If you're recovering from an injury or suffer from a chronic condition, your doctor will likely recommend home exercises and physical therapy to maintain proper spine alignment as well.
The Difference between Spinal Manipulation and Spinal Mobilization
Another popular form of chiropractic treatment is spinal mobilization, and while it sounds similar to spinal manipulation, the two processes have several differences. While spinal manipulation utilizes quick and strong chiropractic adjustments to align the vertebrae, spinal mobilization uses a more gentle technique.
With spinal mobilization, your chiropractor will employ more stretching techniques to help relieve pressure on your joints and discs. The two treatment techniques share the same goal. To improve spinal alignment and restore proper joint function.
A chiropractor may use spinal mobilization instead of manipulative correction for patients with certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, bone deformation, or inflammatory arthritis. These are medical conditions that can lead to increased pain and sensitivity and the inability to move patients into the proper positioning required to perform spinal manipulation adequately.
Other times, patients simply prefer the softer, more gentle technique as they feel uncomfortable with the sudden cracking and quick movements associated with corrective manipulation. At ChiroCare of Florida, we discuss each patient's unique needs and goals and will tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. During your initial consultation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you prefer traditional chiropractic adjustments or want to try the more gentle approach of spinal mobilization. Both techniques are effective at relieving pain and providing results.
The Benefits of Spinal Manipulation
There are countless benefits of receiving spinal manipulation, whether you're looking to treat an injury or illness or wish to maintain overall wellness. The process enables vertebrae, discs, and joints that have fallen out of alignment to be placed back in their respective positions. Unlike invasive procedures, there's no downtime associated with the treatment technique, and visits frequently take less than thirty minutes.
Spinal manipulation can help those with the following conditions:
- Migraine headaches
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Arthritis
- Prenatal pain and discomfort
- Sports injuries
- Car accident injuries
- On-the-job accidents
- Pain resulting from manual labor
- Poor posture
- And more
Many patients report pain associated with elements of everyday life. Whether you're slouching over a computer all day for work, spending a lot of time in the driver's seat of a vehicle without proper back support, frequently bending over to lift heavy objects, or experiencing restless sleep, chiropractic spinal adjustments can help.
Benefits of spinal manipulation include:
- Improved nerve function
- Improved blood flow
- Better posture
- Improved athletic performance
- Better sleep
- Less muscle pain
- Chronic injury improvement
- Improved mobility and increased range of motion
- Relief from arthritic pain
- Improved blood pressure
- Improvement in conditions such as allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, ear infections, and more
- Less pain in the back, neck, shoulders, joints, and muscles
Many people find that when they receive regular chiropractic adjustments, they feel more balanced, relaxed, and happier. Practitioners believe that spine health is paramount to maintaining your body's optimum communication process between organs and different body parts. When your spine is in balance, the rest of your body can be, too. Manipulative correction is gaining popularity as a holistic treatment option for those looking to maintain health, not just those looking to address bodily issues.
The doctors at ChiroCare of Florida offer patients many spinal wellness tips to help maintain this balance between appointments. You can do many things at home to promote a healthy spine that doesn't cost a thing.
Some of the most popular spinal wellness tips include:
- Get up, walk around, and stretch every 30-minutes throughout the day when sitting at a desk.
- Choose supportive shoes when you are standing for extended periods of time.
- Lift heavy objects by squatting and using the power of your legs, not the bending of your back.
- Select the best mattress for your preferred sleeping position, ensuring that it supports your body in all the right spots.
- Always bend at the knees instead of the waist, and use a step stool instead of reaching with your shoulders.
- Hold your cell phone at eye level instead of looking down at it in your hands to avoid neck strain.
- Always stretch and warm up before physical activity.
- Eat a balanced diet, ensure adequate water intake, avoid foods that are high in sugar, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid tobacco and nicotine use.
- Go for short walks as often as possible.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have more questions regarding "what is spinal manipulation?" and are looking for a natural, non-invasive way to treat back and neck pain, contact ChiroCare of Florida today. With extended evening hours and weekend appointments available by request at select locations, seeking the chiropractic care you need is easy and hassle-free.
During your initial consultation, we'll review your medical history, discuss any areas of concern, evaluate your pain, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you maintain balanced wellness and live a pain-free life.
Chiropractic spinal adjustments are an excellent way to receive the many physical benefits of care. Additionally, when you start to feel better physically, you'll likely experience improved mood, increased energy, and a better quality of life overall. Don't wait to start on your journey to living a pain-free life. Call us today at (877) 388-2165.
