What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a popular form of alternative medicine that focuses on the relationship between the spine and overall health. At the core of chiropractic care are chiropractic adjustments—specific manual manipulations designed to improve spinal mobility, relieve pain, and promote well-being.

What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?

A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a specific technique where a chiropractor uses their hands or specialized instruments to apply controlled force to joints in the spine or other joints in the body. Adjustments restore joint mobility, improve range of motion, reduce nerve irritation, and enhance overall function.

Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments Include:

1. Pain Relief: Adjustments decrease inflammation thus decreasing pain.

2. Improved Mobility: Adjustments restore normal joint function which improves overall mobility.

3. Enhanced Nervous System Function: Proper alignment supports better communication between the brain and body.

4. Drug-Free Treatment: Offers a natural alternative to pain management without relying on medication or invasive procedures.

Common Conditions Treated with Chiropractic Adjustments:

Chiropractors treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Back and Neck Pain: Often caused by poor posture, injuries, or overuse.

• Headaches and Migraines: Especially those stemming from tension or neck issues.

• Sciatica: Nerve pain radiating from the lower back down the legs.

• Whiplash: Common after car accidents, causing neck stiffness and pain.

• Sports Injuries: Including joint sprains, strains, and muscle tightness.

• Arthritis: To improve joint function and alleviate stiffness.

Who Can Get Chiropractic Adjustments?

Anyone with a spine! Chiropractic care is suitable for a wide range of people, from infants to seniors. Treatment can be tailored to individual needs, making it suitable for almost everyone.

Certain conditions, such as severe osteoporosis, fractures, or spinal instability, may make chiropractic adjustments contraindicated. Dr. Kara goes through your health history and does an exam prior to any treatment to ensure that chiropractic care is safe and suitable for you.

Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe and Effective?

Chiropractic adjustments are widely regarded as safe and effective when performed by a licensed professional. Minor side effects, such as temporary soreness or fatigue, may occur but typically resolve within a day. Serious complications are rare, particularly when care is taken to screen patients for contraindications.

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of chiropractic care, particularly for acute and chronic back pain. The American College of Physicians even recommends spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for lower back pain.

Chiropractic Adjustments Techniques:

Dr. Kara uses a variety of techniques based on a patient’s needs, preferences, and conditions. For infants and young children, Dr. Kara often uses very light and gentle techniques such as sustained pressure or Activator Technique (a chiropractic tool that puts a light pulse into the joint).

Dr. Kara uses the following techniques:

1. Diversified Technique: The most widely used method, involving quick, precise thrusts to restore proper joint function. With this technique, you may hear a “pop/crack” which is the sound of gas bubbles leaving the joint.

2. Activator Method: Uses a handheld spring-loaded instrument to deliver gentle, targeted adjustments.

3. Drop-Table Technique: Involves a specialized table with sections that drop slightly to assist the adjustment.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?

Chiropractic adjustments can be a valuable addition to your health and wellness routine, whether you’re seeking relief from a specific condition or aiming to maintain overall mobility. By addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction, chiropractic adjustments can help you move, feel, and live better—naturally and holistically.

Are You Ready To Get Adjusted?

Chiropractic adjustments offer a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to support your health. By offering a variety of techniques, Dr. Kara can tailor care to meet your specific needs, improving quality of life for patients of all ages. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or seeking preventative care, chiropractic adjustments can be a vital part of your wellness journey.