Ta-Da! How a Chiropractic Adjustment Provides Pain Relief

At first glance, it can seem like magic. When you arrive at the chiropractor’s office, you’re in pain, but when you leave, you feel significantly better! However, although plenty of research can still be done, these chiropractic adjustments are based on science. What is the science that goes into your treatment? How does a chiropractic adjustment work? In this post, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for.

About the Central Nervous System

Your central nervous system is made of your brain and spinal cord, which attaches to a network of peripheral nerves throughout the body. Through the nervous system, messages can be sent back and forth, communicating about your health and status.

When the spinal cord, in particular, is compressed or dysfunctional, it can interfere with this communication. Pain, stiffness, numbness, muscle tension, and other issues can result from spinal misalignment.

What Happens during a Chiropractic Adjustment

When you get an adjustment, your chiropractor applies controlled pressure at certain areas of the spine to correct misalignment. This manipulation may involve your extremities or twist your body, but its intent is to decompress the spine, which takes force off the central nervous system.

During treatment, you may or may not hear a popping sound, which does not signify that a bone is breaking. It is the sound of trapped pockets of gas being released. When treatment is complete, you may feel more relaxed, have a better range of motion, and, of course, have less pain.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Help the Central Nervous System

These treatments can result in pain relief because of several factors:

1. Endorphin release: Stimulating the central nervous system prompts the release of endorphins, which are natural “happy” hormones and help with pain management.
2. Less inflammation: Inflammation and pain go hand in hand. Correcting misalignment reduces local inflammation, making movement more comfortable.
3. Blood flow: Your blood carries nutrients essential for healing painful areas, but compression or dysfunction can block these nutrients. Fortunately, a chiropractic adjustment opens up these areas to more blood flow, allowing them to heal and recover.
4. Muscle relaxation: When joints are out of alignment, muscles often try to compensate and become stiff. When the root cause, spinal misalignment, is addressed, muscles can relax.

Keep in mind that it may take several treatments and adjustments to notice significant pain relief, depending on the issue and its severity.

Although your chiropractor isn’t a magician, they can deliver miraculous results. Now that you understand the science behind chiropractic care, you can go in knowing what to expect and confident that this professional can provide relief for your pain.

About the Author

At AlignRight Injury & Rehab, Dr. Zinovy Chukhman works with a lot of patients in pain. In fact, he has more than 20 years of experience working in rehabilitation. Using many methods and techniques, he is certified in all four levels of certification by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Do you have neck or back pain? Contact our Dallas practice online or call 972-907-2800 to schedule an appointment.