There are many myths about chiropractic care that may be off-putting for new patients. In this blog post, we will discuss one myth in particular – Chiropractors only perform back cracking. Chiropractic care goes far beyond just spinal manipulation and the different types of adjustments performed on the spinal column.
What is a joint adjustment?
Chiropractors use joint adjustments, also known as back cracking or popping, to treat many musculoskeletal conditions. Joint manipulation is used to create better movement within a joint to help decrease pain and improve function. When vertebrae become misaligned, they can place pressure on the spinal nerves and cause pain. Chiropractors use joint adjustments a.k.a back cracking to treat this.
Who can benefit from chiropractic?
Some patients with the following conditions have found chiropractic to be helpful:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, feet.
- Certain types of headaches
- Sciatica
- Injuries and trauma to the body such as whiplash
- Scoliosis
- Fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain and stiffness)
- Arthritis
What makes the “cracking” sound during back cracking?
During an adjustment, the vertebra is returned to the proper position in the spinal column. When your vertebrae are adjusted, tiny pockets of gas are released from the joints, sometimes making a “cracking” or “back popping” noise. It’s the same sound you hear when you crack your knuckles.
Chiropractors do more than just back cracking
Although joint manipulation can be quite effective for certain conditions i.e. lower back pain, it is only one tool of many. Often, it isn’t necessary for successful treatment. Your chiropractor will often use a combination of soft tissue therapy, exercise prescription, rehabilitation, and acupuncture.
Exercises/ Rehabilitation
Chiropractors use a variety of different exercise programs for their patients. They take into account the patient’s specific condition and will often send the patient home with a roster of exercises that can be done to improve musculoskeletal health alongside the treatment they receive at the chiropractic clinic.
Lifestyle advice
Other treatment interventions used by chiropractic professionals include dietary adjustments, weight management counselling, and education efforts. In using a multi-faceted approach, chiropractors are able to tackle every different potential source of the patient’s musculoskeletal problems and make adjustments in these areas.
Are you searching for a “Chiropractor Near Me”?
As you can see, chiropractic medicine is more than just back cracking. Chiropractors use a variety of treatment modalities to help the body heal itself and return patients to a pain-free and healthy life.
Feel free to call us 07376 243726 or book online. You can locate our Chiropractic clinic in Covent Garden.