Spinal manipulation, also called spinal adjustment, describes the process where a skilled chiropractor moves joints with a quick, controlled force. Some chiropractors use their hands for spinal manipulation, while others rely on medical instruments. You can request a spinal adjustment alone or combine it with other chiropractic care services, such as laser therapy or spinal decompression. Some chiropractors also use heat therapy, ice therapy, and electrical stimulation on patients.
Spinal adjustments are a common form of chiropractic care today, but this technique first originated thousands of years ago. The ancient Greeks used spinal manipulation to treat low back pain way back in 1500 B.C. Hippocrates, a well-known Greek physician who passed in 357 B.C., discussed chiropractic techniques in his written work. Throughout the years, numerous other medical experts, including Daniel David Palmer, praised the benefits of chiropractic services such as spinal manipulation. Palmer, who is considered the founder of the chiropractic profession, opened the Palmer School of Chiropractic in the late 1800s.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and chiropractic care is available in every U.S. state. You can also request spinal manipulation in Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and numerous other countries. Many well-known insurance providers cover chiropractic services, but many chiropractors also accept uninsured patients who need spinal care.
Who Should Consider Spinal Manipulation?
Many patients mistakenly assume chiropractic adjustments are only for people with neck or back pain. It's true that these issues may improve after spinal manipulation, but numerous other conditions can also benefit from chiropractic care.
Here are some common conditions and symptoms that may improve with regular spinal manipulation treatments:
- Asthma
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- Headaches
- Pinched, trapped, or twisted nerves
- TMJ
- Leg pain
- Foot pain, tingling, or numbness
- Hip pain
If you don't see your condition above, don't give up hope on finding relief from chiropractic care services. A skilled chiropractor can work with you to determine whether spinal manipulation is a good choice for your needs.
Spinal manipulation has been around for thousands of years, and many people have benefited from this popular technique. Chiropractic services are generally considered safe for most adults, and many children and teens are also good candidates for spinal adjustments. Consider visiting your local chiropractor for spinal manipulation and other chiropractic care, whether you're battling back pain or struggling with frequent headaches. An experienced chiropractor can help you alleviate acute or chronic pain so you can get back to enjoying life again.
For more information, contact a chiropractic care service in your area.