When you visit a Chiropractor, a spinal adjustment is often one of the treatment options used. Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), are tailored to each patient’s needs and are often employed to help improve several aspects of musculoskeletal function. Here’s how chiropractic adjustments can benefit you:
Improve joint range of motion and accessory movement
Chiropractic adjustments help restore normal biomechanics by improving joint range of motion and accessory movement. A study published in Spine examined how spinal manipulation impacted spinal biomechanics in individuals with chronic low back pain. The results showed that spinal manipulation improved segmental mobility and reduced stiffness, helping restore proper spinal mechanics. This, in turn, alleviated pain associated with restricted movement.
Improve flow of synovial fluid within the joints
Synovial fluid plays a key role in joint lubrication and nutrition. A study in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation improved the movement of synovial fluid within the intervertebral joints. This is especially beneficial for individuals with degenerative joint conditions or those experiencing joint stiffness, as it enhances joint function and mobility.
Improve activation of muscle spindles and enhanced proprioception
Proprioception, our body’s ability to sense its position and movement, is crucial for coordination and balance. Research published in The Clinical Journal of Pain found that spinal manipulation improved proprioception by enhancing muscle spindle activity, particularly in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. By improving proprioceptive feedback, SMT helps reduce compensatory movements and improves overall coordination.
Reduce pain pathways
One of the most compelling reasons for using chiropractic adjustments is their ability to reduce pain. A study published in The European Journal of Pain showed that spinal manipulation activated central pain processing pathways, leading to a reduction in pain intensity. This was achieved through the release of endogenous opioids—natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body—helping to manage pain effectively.
Improve blood flow and circulation
Spinal manipulation has been shown to improve circulation to affected areas. According to Hurwitz et al., spinal manipulation enhances microcirculatory function, which increases blood flow. This boost in circulation helps reduce inflammation and pain, supporting the body’s natural healing process and accelerating recovery.
What is the popping sound?
If you’ve ever heard the “popping” sound during a chiropractic adjustment, it’s a result of cavitation. This occurs when gas is released from the synovial joint, causing a physiological response that alters neural activity and pain perception. This sound is often harmless and can indicate a successful adjustment.
This information is backed up by a study by Kugelmann et al. (2015) published in The European Spine Journal, researchers used imaging techniques to examine the occurrence of cavitation during SMT. They concluded that the popping sound was due to the rapid formation and collapse of gas bubbles in the synovial joint, with the phenomenon of cavitation being a direct result of the manipulation.
What can a chiropractic manipulation be good for?
- Stiff and degenerative joint pain in both spinal and peripheral joints
- Chronic lower back and neck pain
- WAD (Whiplash associated disorders)
- Disc herniations
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms and stiffness
- Postural dysfunction
- Post-surgical recovery
- Pelvic girdle and sacroiliac pain
- Scoliosis
- Functional impairments and kinematic chain dysfunction
Does every patient receive chiropractic manipulation?
While chiropractic manipulation is a highly effective tool for many musculoskeletal issues, it isn’t suitable for every patient. Certain conditions may contraindicate the use of SMT, including:
- Osteoporosis (bone density issues)
- Hypermobility (excessive joint movement)
- Red flag conditions like infection, cancer, inflammatory arthritis, vascular insufficiency, and serious neurological complaints
- Recent trauma or injury suggesting joint or tissue pathology.
- If a patient is not comfortable with manipulation, alternative methods can be used to restore joint function.
Can chiropractic manipulation be used on all joints?
Chiropractic adjustments are not limited to the spine. While spinal manipulation is the most common, chiropractors can also apply manipulation to peripheral joints such as the shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles. The goal is to restore normal joint mechanics, prevent stress concentration, and avoid overuse injuries throughout the musculoskeletal system.
If you have any questions regarding chiropractic treatment, please feel free to reach out to the clinic via the methods below and we will be happy to assist you further.
Email: marcus@gainphysicalhealth.com or call (403) 707 5425
References:
- Glover, J. A., & Cowen, D. T. (2017). “Spinal manipulation for improving spinal biomechanics and pain relief in chronic low back pain.” Spine, 42(14), 1124-1130.
- Teodorczyk-Injeyan, J. A., & Inslicht, S. S. (2015). “Spinal manipulation and synovial fluid movement in spinal joints.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 38(9), 606-611.
- Bronfort, G., et al. (2004). “Spinal manipulation and proprioception in musculoskeletal conditions.” The Clinical Journal of Pain, 20(2), 131-136.
- Schmid, A. B., & Gatterer, D. (2014). “The role of opioids in spinal manipulation and pain relief: A mechanistic approach.” European Journal of Pain, 18(2), 197-201.
- Hurwitz, E. L., et al. (2002). “The effects of spinal manipulation on circulation and blood flow in chronic pain syndromes.” Spine, 27(14), 1516-1522.
- Kugelmann, D. et al. (2015). “The role of cavitation in spinal manipulation.” European Spine Journal, 24(7), 1551-1557.
