Absolutely. Compared to other medical treatments, which include medication and surgery, chiropractic is by far the safest. Malpractice insurance companies evaluate the risks of all professions, and charge a premium based on the risk the profession poses. Chiropractors have by far the lowest insurance premium of all medical providers. Even though thousands of chiropractic adjustments are made each year, only a few complaints are registered.
An adjustment is a gentle, carefully placed thrust which moves vertebrae into their proper position. The chiropractor usually delivers the adjustment by hand, but occasionally uses other instruments. The purpose of the adjustment is to correct a subluxation.
Subluxation refers to a spinal bone (vertebra) that is not in its right position or not moving in its normal range of motion. Misaligned vertebrae are irritating nerves and blood vessels, which in turn affects the way your body communicates with your spine. Subluxations are the cause of many pains and dysfunctions in muscles and organs. The body's natural ability to heal itself is greatly improved with the subluxation removed.
Most chiropractic adjustments are not only virtually painless, but they feel great and relieving. In the cases of a recent injury, inflamed tissue may react to some adjustments and cause some temporary discomfort. Application of ice after treatment may soothe any irritation.
The sound is no reason to be concerned. The sound is not coming from the bones themselves. It's coming from a lubricant called synovial fluid that's found in every joint. That fluid contains dissolved gases. During the adjustment the joints are slightly separated to move into proper position. This releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and gasses and creates a "pop" like the release of pressure when a can of soda is opened. Not all patients "pop" and not all adjusting techniques produce the noise, which means an adjustment can be proper and effective, even if you do not hear any noise.
We are not aware of any evidence to suggest that manipulation of the spine or other chiropractic care can lead to arthritis. On the contrary, chiropractors often care for people with arthritis by maintaining joint health. Motion is life when it comes to health.
This question is often posed to chiropractors and concern has been raised over its safety.
A person should not attempt to pop another's back, and you should not allow someone to pop your back--unless they are a doctor of chiropractic.
While people might have the right idea by trying to relieve pressure on the joints, the "cracking" or "popping" of one's own back or neck is not the same as a chiropractic adjustment. The problem usually keeps coming back, which should be a clear indication that there has been no real adjustment. The cause of the spinal tension, the fixated or jammed vertebrae, has not been corrected. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust him/herself. You should not try to do it yourself either.
There is no age excluded from chiropractic care. Even babies can have subluxations, due to the rigors of birth. Children's subluxations should be treated early, as they interfere with nerves that control developing muscles and organs. Joints of the body consist of cartilage growth centers that the bone grows from. Abnormal stresses on a rapidly developing spine and other bones and joints can cause them to develop abnormally. Your chiropractor can detect these problems while they're easy to correct.
Chiropractors are a part of a network of health-care professionals. Like other doctors, they will make referrals for patients when necessary. Chiropractors are trained to recognize risk factors and signs of disease that are outside of their scope of practice, and they will not hesitate to make referrals when it is in a patient's best interest.
Chiropractors focus on the body's ability to heal itself. Chiropractors in Washington do not prescribe medication or perform invasive procedures. They focus on providing your body with the right elements for self-restoration by restoring free-flowing communication between all parts of your body.
Chiropractors are trained to detect problem areas in your spine before they develop into problem conditions or symptoms. Just because symptoms disappear, does not mean your subluxations are completely corrected. Regular adjustments help to maintain and support a healthy spine and nervous system. Maintenance or wellness spinal care programs, which may include advice on posture, nutrition, and exercise, can effectively prevent pain.
How you choose to use chiropractic care is ultimately up to you. If your spine wears out, there is no solution. Because your spine directly influences the function of your nervous system, spinal decay permanently damages the nerves and spinal cord. Nearly everyone flosses and brushes their teeth even though their teeth don't hurt. Spinal adjustments are comparable to routine dental care. Lifetime maintenance of the spine should be a priority.