First of all.. an adjustment should only be performed from a doctor of chiropractic who is fully certified. An adjustment is a controlled sudden force into a specific joint space that is restricted. This will help restore range of motion and function along with reducing pain. This is not just limited to the spine. This can also be performed to extremities such as ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists, etc.
But what actually happens? Let's simplify this.. you have 2 main neural pathways from joint to brain, this is your nociceptors and mechanoreceptors. The nociceptor pathway is responsible for transmitting "pain" while the mechanoreceptors transmits "balance." Let's say you have low back pain. When you first arrive to your appointment you go to get up out of that seat you were sitting in.. and BOOM.. you're in pain, the nociceptors are firing off sending pain signals to the brain. Now you get your low back adjusted, the adjustment overrides the pain signals by overstimulating the mechanoreceptors in the joint space.
By implementing an adjustment you are also restoring range of motion to the specific joint by pushing that joint into its physiological range. With the proper range of motion restored it makes mechanical and functional tasks/movements much easier to perform. For example bending forward to touch your toes or turning your head to check your blind spots are now easier to perform after an adjustment.
What's that sound I am hearing?
- This is just simply a release of gases (oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) within the synovial fluid which is in the joint capsule.
Can I adjust myself?
- Check out this video for the answer and to learn more about joint range of motion.
Comments