When you experience pain in your neck, arms, back, legs or suffer from headaches, chiropractic adjustments may be effective for reducing the pain. If you have never been to a chiropractor, you may not know what to expect. For many people, adjustments are safe and effective, and understanding how the process works can reduce the anxiety and stress you may have.

What Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Chiropractic care is based on the premise that the proper aligned spine allows the nervous system to function at its optimum level.  Chiropractors are trained to find misalignments of the spine which can put the tension, pressure, and irritation on the nervous system possibly causing symptoms. During a chiropractic adjustment, you will lay on a specially designed table while the doctor uses their hands to locate the misalignment or misalignments in the spine. The chiropractor will use their hands to apply a controlled force to the misaligned vertebrae in the spine. The adjustment of the spinal vertebrae will put it back into its proper alignment and range of motion and take the irritation or pressure off the nerves.

How Does an Adjustment Feel?

After being adjusted, you might feel some discomfort during or after an adjustment. Some people might immediately feel better, but it usually takes several adjustments over the course of a few weeks to train the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to hold the vertebrae in its proper alignment. After the chiropractic adjustment, you might experience some soreness in the areas that were adjusted, but soreness usually minor and dissipate. The Chiropractor may advise using ice, moist heat or the application of Biofreeze if you experience soreness.

Who Should See a Chiropractor?

Chiropractic adjustments are generally safe for all ages for relieving neck, arm, back, and leg pain or headaches. Before any spinal adjustment takes place, your chiropractor will do a detailed physical examination of the spine to determine whether you have any conditions before an adjustment, such as prior spinal surgery, DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease), osteoarthritis and trauma history of the spine. Digital X-rays are sometimes taken to determine which bone or bones are out of alignment and also to ensure that there are no underlying conditions that could be a contraindication for treatment.

If you need help managing back or neck pain or finding relief from chronic headaches, turn to Heartland Family Chiropractic, PLLC in Elizabethtown, KY. Chiropractor Adam T. Fulkerson, D.C. will create a personalized, tailored treatment plan of chiropractic adjustments and other treatments to relieve your symptoms, all in a warm and welcoming environment. Visit them online to learn more about their services or call (270) 234-8880 to schedule an appointment.