How do chiropractors know where to push?

A chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation is one of the most common and popular therapies that chiropractors offer. Patients appreciate the safety and positive results they experience from this non-invasive therapy which directly addresses imbalances within the body that result in many chronic and painful conditions.

But, despite its popularity, confusion and questions still remain about how an adjustment works and what to expect during and after the process. At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy we’re passionate about educating patients, so they can take advantage of all of the benefits of these natural therapies, rather than wasting time on band-aid treatments which only mask the pain and do nothing for addressing the long-term condition.

That’s why we have four convenient locations in Oakland, Wayne, Fair Lawn, and Closter, New Jersey, to make it easy for patients to access care. Our locations offer evening and weekend hours, in addition to normal business hours, to allow chiropractic therapies to fit into your busy schedule. This way you don’t have to take off work or put off care.

One common question we receive from new patients quite frequently when they inquire about adjustments is curiosity about how we know where to push during a chiropractic adjustment. It’s a great question to ask and we’re happy to take away any mystery or confusion that exists surrounding adjustments. As you’ll see, the process can be life-changing, so if fear or confusion is holding you back, read on to find out some great news about adjustments.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a type of spinal manipulation that uses small, precise amounts of force to bring balance back to joints which have been displaced due to repetitive movements, minor injuries, aging, or posture issues. At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, this procedure is performed by highly-trained and experienced chiropractors, who use meticulously controlled movements to bring balance to the joints of the spine.

Typically a patient will lie face down on a padded table, similar to if they were receiving a massage. After evaluation and diagnosis to identify the location where your adjustment needs to be focused, your chiropractor will use their hands to “push” joints back into place. This is a quick process, which most patients report being painless and pleasant. In terms of safety, chiropractic adjustments have been being performed for decades with millions of satisfied patients who return for adjustments as their bodies need them.

What does a chiropractic adjustment help with?

Chiropractic adjustments can help put joints in the spine back in balance. By resolving imbalances which cause irritation, chiropractic adjustments can help relieve chronic pain conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines.

Relieving the body of imbalances that lead to irritation, adjustments can reduce inflammation in the body, helping improve the symptoms of arthritis, sciatica, and asthma. In addition, these non-invasive, safe adjustments can improve balance, mobility, and energy levels. Many patients even report feeling less stress and enjoying better nights’ sleep after an adjustment.

How do chiropractors know where to push?

To get a better understanding of how a chiropractor knows where to push their hands during a manual spinal adjustment, it first helps to understand the chiropractic assessment process. At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, we always begin with a thorough assessment of each individual patient before making any adjustments. This process includes discussing symptoms, allowing the patient time to describe their symptoms and pain location, as well as gaining insight into the unique lifestyle variables of the patient.

But listening and gathering information from the patient is just the beginning of the process. A physical examination will also alert a chiropractor to imbalances, tenderness, and range of motion limitations. An experienced chiropractor will also be able to feel misalignments occurring in the joints in a way a layperson would simply not have the experience to notice.

This comprehensive process allows a chiropractor to identify the areas of the spine that would benefit from an adjustment. The adjustment will not only help rebalance the body but it also is proven to help restore proper joint function and movement.

What to expect from a chiropractic adjustment

During an adjustment, your chiropractor will identify the area that needs to be adjusted. The chiropractor will then use their hands or an adjustment instrument to make minor corrections to the joints of the spine. During this process, you may hear a “pop” like cracking your knuckles. This isn’t anything to be alarmed about, it’s simply the release of gas as pressure is released. After the adjustment, some patients report feeling exhilarated and enlivened after an adjustment. However, if you feel tired, a bit under-the-weather, or anxious after the adjustment, there’s no need to worry. An adjustment focuses on the spine, where significant communication signals are being sent throughout your body. So it’s to be expected that a therapy which changes the status quo of these joints may temporarily require some adjustment from the rest of your body. These symptoms soon disappear and patients are left enjoying relief from chronic pain or conditions.

The Importance of Choosing a Highly Trained Chiropractor

Because chiropractic adjustments require precision and skill of movement, it’s essential to choose a chiropractor who not only has the training, but the first-hand experience of conducting manual adjustments. At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, our team of nine chiropractors are all doctors who have spent years learning, training and practicing the science of adjustments. This makes a visit to Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy a safe choice if you are concerned about the experience or expertise of the chiropractor  you choose. Many of our chiropractors are leaders in the field.

Ready For An Adjustment? Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy Helps Patients in North Jersey Find Relief

If you struggle with chronic pain, headaches or other conditions, chiropractic adjustments promise drug-free relief without the risk of invasive surgery. If you’ve been putting off trying a chiropractic adjustment, don’t wait to experience the benefits of this natural treatment. We’ve helped thousands of patients experience a level of relief that just can’t be found from pain medications and other band-aid therapies. Our team is happy to answer any questions about chiropractic adjustments you might have. If you live in North Jersey, one of our four locations in Oakland, Wayne, Fair Lawn, and Closter, New Jersey, should be close by and convenient to visit. Make your appointment today!