Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are manual therapies used to restore and maintain the musculoskeletal balance of the body. You may hear a popping sound during a spinal adjustment; this is called joint cavitation and is just the release of gasses in the joint spaces — similar to cracking your knuckles.
1. Relieves Pain
Whether it’s neck or back pain, joint stiffness, headaches or fatigue, chiropractic adjustment has been shown to improve musculoskeletal health. These treatments involve manual manipulation of the spine and other joints to relieve the pressure on nerves, muscles and ligaments that can cause these symptoms. They also correct spinal misalignments resulting in better function and decreased pain. You may hear cracking or popping sounds during the treatment but these are simply gasses released as the joints move into a new position.
Chiropractic care has been proven to decrease multiple medical conditions including infant colic, ear infections, behavioral problems and high blood pressure. It has also been found to enhance athletic performance and speed recovery from injuries. In addition, chiropractic adjustments are a great way to reduce anxiety which can make it easier to sleep at night. A well rested body is able to focus more clearly and be productive at work. It also allows the body to get rid of toxins and bacteria that could lead to illness. The best part is that you can achieve these benefits without taking any medications.
2. Reduces Stress
A chiropractor can help to relieve stress by rebalancing the nervous system through adjustments. A misaligned spine can put pressure on nerves that impact the body’s stress response, leading to chronic tension and anxiety. A proper spinal alignment relieves this pressure and promotes relaxation and calmness.
Chiropractic care also boosts immunity by decreasing the inflammation that disrupts immune system function and promoting lymphatic circulation. This allows the body to fight off bacteria and viruses, reducing the frequency and severity of illnesses.
Additionally, regular chiropractic visits can help reduce depression symptoms. Unlike over-the-counter medication, which only masks symptoms and can have dangerous side effects, a chiropractor can treat the root cause of a patient’s depression through hands-on manipulation of the neck, back, and extremities. Combined with other wellness techniques like mindfulness practices, exercise, and a healthy diet, regular visits to the chiropractor can improve overall mental health and wellbeing. This helps patients become more aware of their stress levels and teaches them how to manage it naturally, without medications or other harmful methods. This can be particularly helpful for patients who have to work long hours or have a high-stress lifestyle.
3. Increases Energy
If you suffer from back pain, headaches, migraines, fatigue, or neck stiffness, chiropractic adjustments can help. These gentle manipulations improve nerve, blood, and csf flow throughout the body to alleviate these symptoms. But a chiropractor doesn’t just treat the symptoms, they also work to identify the cause and find a treatment plan that will eliminate the problem entirely. This holistic approach to healthcare is one of the main reasons that so many people choose chiropractic care over drugs.
Another great benefit of regular adjustments is increased energy and vitality. This is due to removing spinal misalignments, which improves the functioning of the nervous system. It can also reduce inflammation in the lungs, which makes breathing easier and less labored.
It also strengthens muscles through stretching, which prevents them from becoming shortened and weak. This helps to avoid future injuries and keeps you healthy, ready for whatever life throws at you. It’s no wonder that so many athletes like CrossFitters use chiropractors to keep them in tip-top shape. Besides giving you a boost of energy, chiropractic adjustments can also relieve digestive problems. This is because thoracic spinal misalignments can interfere with the nerves that regulate proper digestion, which can result in heartburn, gas, and acid reflux.
4. Improves Sleep
Many people struggle to sleep a full night of rest due to stress, pain, and other ailments. When this happens, it disrupts your body’s ability to recover from a day of stress and restore all of its functions for the next day.
There are numerous ways to improve your sleep, from using sleep apps to white noise to meditation and chamomile tea. Chiropractors can also help by alleviating pain and helping you to get a more restful night’s sleep.
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors often utilize soft tissue therapy techniques that can include massage and trigger point release. These techniques ease muscle tension and knots that are keeping you from sleeping well.
Misalignments and muscle tension can cause the release of a stress hormone called cortisol, which is a major culprit in poor sleep. Chiropractic adjustments can help to naturally lower cortisol levels, which helps promote sleep. Lastly, poor posture is another factor in poor sleep that chiropractors can help you fix. This can make it harder to breathe and also increase the amount of pressure placed on your nerves. Regular chiropractic treatments can help to improve blood, nutrient, and csf flow to your nervous system, which can all improve sleep.
5. Increases Flexibility
Flexibility is key to maintaining a healthy, happy life. Having good flexibility can help us stay physically active, improve our overall health and maintain a better quality of life.
Chiropractic care helps with your flexibility by ensuring the proper alignment of joints and bones to reduce stress and pressure on the spine and other joints. Your chiropractor may also use soft-tissue massage and stretches to relax tight muscles and relieve spasms, improving your range of motion. You will often hear a popping sensation during these treatments due to the release of gasses in joint spaces, it’s nothing to worry about!
Regular chiropractic adjustments can help loosen tight muscles, increase the flow of blood throughout your body and brain and decrease the chances of a future injury. Depending on your needs and lifestyle your routine adjustment sessions could be as quick as 30 minutes and you can easily schedule them into your busy schedule during your lunch break or even in the morning before work! Get in touch with chiropractor Rowville to see how we can help you meet your flexibility goals.