Are Chiropractic Adjustments Painful?

A chiropractic adjustment — also referred to as spine manipulation — is a procedure used by a licensed chiropractor to improve the motion of your spine, correct your body’s alignment, and boost your overall health. 

During a chiropractic adjustment, your chiropractor uses their hands or a small tool to apply sudden force to a joint that pushes it beyond its normal range of motion. 

Chiropractic adjustments can seem like they’d be scary, unsafe, and painful if you’ve never had one before. However, as long as you see a licensed professional, adjustments are perfectly safe and shouldn’t cause any pain at all. 

At Anodyne Pain and Wellness Solutions in Newark, Delaware, our team offers chiropractic adjustments to benefit your health and wellness. Here’s what to expect when you get an adjustment with us and why you might need one. 

Who needs a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment focuses on alleviating symptoms that stem from issues with your musculoskeletal system. We can ensure that not only your joints are aligned and working properly but that your muscles are in good shape as well. 

While this certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, some common issues people seek to correct with chiropractic adjustments include:

• Sciatica 
• Lower back pain
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Whiplash
• Joint pain

You can also benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments if you have a chronic condition such as fibromyalgia or arthritis. 

Many people opt to get chiropractic adjustments as part of their pain management plan since it can reduce their risk for long-term usage of pain medications. 

What to expect during a chiropractic adjustment

During an initial consultation, our team performs a physical exam and also utilizes imaging tests to get a full picture of your musculoskeletal system. These procedures help us better understand how to create a treatment plan that works best for you. 

When it’s time for your actual adjustment, you lie flat on a padded table that allows your chiropractor to focus on specific areas. Your provider then applies the quick force to a targeted joint, causing your vertebrae to pop back in line if they’re off-center. 

You may hear loud popping sounds throughout the adjustment, which is gas releasing from your joints, so don’t be alarmed. It may sound painful, but it’s not. Minor aches and pains a few days after your adjustment are normal.

We’ll also provide some exercises and stretches you can do at home to keep your joints and muscles healthy and flexible. 

Get started with chiropractic adjustments

If you’d like to learn more about our safe and pain-free chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with our Anodyne Pain and Wellness Solutions team by calling our office or booking online today.