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.
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 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.
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.
Yes, chiropractors can help reduce and even eliminate neck pain! Neck pain is often caused by misalignment of the spine, which puts pressure on the nerves in your neck. A chiropractor can adjust subluxations (misaligned vertebra) which are believed to cause nerve interference. This adjustment takes the pressure off the nerves, allowing for better blood flow promoting healing within the body.
Symptoms may include pain or tenderness in or around one or both jaws with varying degrees of severity. Other symptoms may include earaches, tightness in your face, headaches, neck pain, clicking sensation when opening mouth wide, and muscular cramps.
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system and the effects on an individual’s wellness. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. Chiropractors diagnose problems with mobility and offer treatment options like manual adjustments. Chiropractors also work to improve an individual’s overall health by teaching self-care techniques like proper posture and ergonomics.
The chiropractic adjustment works by finding the joint that’s not working as it should, applying a high velocity, low amplitude force to the specific area to increase the joint space. Thus, forcing the joint to relax, improving mobility in the area, and stimulating blood flow to the affected area to promote healing.
Yes. Sciatica pain is often caused by misalignment of the spine, which puts pressure on the nerves in your lower back or buttocks. A chiropractor can adjust subluxations (misaligned vertebra) that are believed to cause nerve interference. This adjustment takes the pressure off the sciatic nerve, allowing for better blood flow promoting healing within your body. With sciatica, many people experience pain in the sciatic nerve, which pierces through the piriformis. When the piriformis is tight, it squeezes on the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica. One approach involves reducing the tension in the piriformis, which will help release the tension on the sciatic nerve. Another is also treating the blowback as one unit with the sciatic nerve to decrease the Sciatic nerve’s inflammation.
In most cases, during your chiropractic session, you will not have to undress. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes that will not hamper your movement.
No, a chiropractor cannot make you taller. The height of an individual is primarily determined by their genetics and bone structure. Chiropractors focus on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine. They may provide adjustments and manipulations to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote overall well-being, but these treatments do not have the capability to increase a person’s height.
During growth and development, bones reach their genetically predetermined length, and once the growth plates close, further height increase is not possible. While chiropractic care can help improve posture and alignment, which may make a person appear slightly taller by standing more upright, it does not lead to actual increases in height. If someone is concerned about their height or posture, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate guidance and support.
