Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation also known as chiropractic adjustments have been around for thousands of years. It is a technique that is used by various healthcare practitioners including chiropractors, physical therapists, and DO’s (Doctor of Osteopathy).

Spinal manipulation can be used to increase ranges of motion in spinal segments that are restricted or feel locked up. This can help alleviate conditions such as low back pain, mid back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Spinal manipulation works in many to decrease pain and symptoms. It can assist in breaking up adhesions of the joints of the spine (called meniscoids), change the activity of joint receptors (which also decreases pain sensation) and can even alter how our brain perceives our spine and the range of motion available to it.

Many individuals are afraid spinal manipulation. It can seem like a pretty scary process for sure, but so far there is no evidence to support that spinal manipulation can cause significant side effects. Only moderate effects like muscle soreness and discomfort have been reported in the literature. In fact spinal manipulation has been shown to benefit our psychology, especially in regards to our relationship with movement of our spines and rehab, which has been shown to be altered in individuals with lower back pain.

If you would like to learn more about some of the science of manipulation and some of its effects check our 3 part blog on the topic by clicking here.