What Exactly Does A Chiropractor Do?

“What does a chiropractic adjustment do for you?”

Chiropractors work mainly on the spine and aim to improve the overall function and movement of the spinal joints. By releasing restricted joints chiropractors aim to decrease any irritation to the spinal nerves. To release these joints, chiropractors usually (techniques vary) push with their hands on the spine in the best direction to mobilise and free up the restriction. The direction is carefully chosen to be the safest and most gentle direction they can use to release the joint.

Releasing the joint is done with the aim of reducing pain, muscle tightness, and inflammation in the area. There are a lot of theories on how mobilising the restricted joint may help, but the most commonly accepted theory is that by stimulating the movement receptors of the restricted joint it can create a reflex inhibition of pain and muscle spasm in the area.

“Do chiropractors fix you?”

Chiropractors release restricted joints and if that is the primary cause of your pain, inflammation or muscle spasm you can feel significant relief. But if you keep doing the things that caused the actual joint restriction in the first place, the problem can just return, so it’s important to take the advice of the chiropractor on how to avoid future issues. This will usually include improved posture, lifting correctly, avoiding poor sitting and lying positions, and doing exercises to keep your spine healthy.