It is generally best to leave back cracking to the chiropractors because attempting to do so on your own or with the help of an untrained person can lead to serious injury. Chiropractors are trained professionals who have years of experience in manipulating the spine to alleviate pain and improve mobility. They use specific techniques to apply controlled force to the joints in the spine to relieve pressure, increase range of motion, and improve function. Attempting to crack your back on your own or with the help of someone who is not properly trained and qualified can result in injury to the spine, nerves, muscles, or other structures, which can lead to long-term damage and chronic pain.
There are some potential benefits of getting your back cracked, but it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone may experience these benefits, and there can be risks associated with spinal manipulation. Here are some of the possible benefits:
It’s important to keep in mind that spinal manipulation, including back cracking, can also have risks, such as nerve damage, fractures, and worsening of existing conditions. Therefore, it’s always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any type of spinal manipulation.
Any age can benefit from chiropractic care. Babies, toddlers, and newborns can receive treatment for conditions. Babies can experience torticollis or a spasm in the sternocleidomastoid muscle that mothers notice during breastfeeding when a child can’t turn their neck. Children, adults, and seniors can benefit from chiropractic care.
Yes! Physical therapy focuses on performance and function, while chiropractic focuses on treating injuries and pain without drugs or surgery. A physical therapist will design a workout or training plan targeting specific muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc., whereas a chiropractor will manually treat those areas to improve their function.
It varies from person to person. On average, visiting a chiro over 4-6 weeks should be sufficient depending on the condition, of course. After your initial appointment, you’ll need specific treatments based on the source of the pain through spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and exercise therapy. Depending on your root issue, some people can feel better after a single treatment, while other more complicated issues (like disc herniation) can take six months up to a year to treat.
There is no concrete answer as to how often you should see a chiropractor. Typically, someone suffering from low back pain would come into their chiropractor on a weekly basis for a few weeks up to a few months. It depends on the patient, but an average person in good health should see a chiropractor once or twice every month for regular maintenance. If you are experiencing a reoccurring issue or have recently been involved in an accident or a fall, your needs may be more advanced and require more frequent treatment.
When you visit a chiropractor, they will begin with an initial assessment to understand your medical history and goals. Your chiropractor will listen to your complaints and conduct an examination. They’ll discover the source of the problem and properly treat it. Treatment may involve spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and exercises. Chiropractors can often provide medication-free relief from physical pain.
Chiropractic care is an excellent way to keep up with your wellness during pregnancy. Chiropractic care can help your body during this time of change and allow you to feel the best you possibly can. Throughout pregnancy, women’s hips undergo changes to their regular dynamic. A chiropractor can help reduce the amount of pain experienced in the hips as well as the lower back and surrounding areas. You can visit a chiropractor before, during, and after pregnancy to help you get back to your normal lifestyle as fast as possible. Chiropractic care also helps with conditions such as: Headaches/Migraines, Sciatica, Nausea, Scoliosis, Constipation, Back Aches, Swelling, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Pelvic Instability, Leg Cramps, Tired Feet, Balance Disturbance, Etc.
No, you do not need a prescription for you to see a chiropractor. If you are a new client, fill out the intake details form so that we can get to know you better. You can even book your appointment directly from our website.
Your first visit to a chiropractor typically involves patient intake, physical examination, possibly some diagnostic studies, a discussion of findings, and potentially your first treatment. You’ll start with paperwork to document your medical history, current condition, and treatment goals. The chiropractor will then conduct a comprehensive physical examination, possibly supplemented with diagnostic studies like X-rays, if needed. They will discuss your diagnosis, proposed treatment plan, and expected outcomes with you. Depending on your specific situation, you may also receive your first chiropractic adjustment during this visit, which is a specific manipulation aimed at improving joint function and movement. To facilitate ease of movement during your visit, it’s advisable to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
After a chiropractic adjustment, there is an increase in joint space. If that increase in joint space is in your spinal column, there may actually be a slight height difference. Further, after treatment, you may improve posture, which may also add to the “feeling taller effect.” Seeing a chiropractor will not make your bones enlarge in size.
The crack or pop that you hear is the formation of gas within the joints. That crack is not indicative of a successful adjustment. The actual adjustment comes from putting the force through the joint, the high velocity, low amplitude, adjustment, or force to the joint space. One issue some chiropractors have is “chasing the pop,” where they seek out the sound instead of going based on their physiological assessment.
