Before making an appointment for a Denver chiropractic adjustment for the first time, it’s natural to have a lot of questions and even concerns. After all, chiropractic care is unique from traditional forms of treatment as it constitutes a variety of hands-on, manual techniques. Chiropractic adjustments work to realign the musculoskeletal system into its proper positioning. When this occurs, patients can experience a range of health benefits, including quick relief from pain, better mobility, and even improved nervous system health.
But one common question that many new patients continue to have is an important one: do chiropractic adjustments hurt? Luckily, chiropractic adjustments are completely painless for most patients. In fact, many patients report that the adjustments are even soothing or relaxing. Here, we’re taking a closer look into the world of chiropractic care to learn what this approach to healthcare is, how it works, and of course, whether or not the adjustments hurt.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive, and holistic approach to healthcare. The core of this approach is based on a series of hands-on chiropractic adjustments that aim to realign your spine and entire musculoskeletal system. During these adjustments, chiropractors use their hands (or occasionally a small instrument) to apply controlled force along the spinal column or another joint area such as your shoulder or knee. When applied properly, this can realign your body and unleash a myriad of health benefits.
Many different types of patients may pursue chiropractic care. From athletes to those recovering from an injury, chiropractic adjustments can effectively relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and even boost your overall athletic performance. Some studies suggest that, due to its impact on the nervous system, chiropractic adjustments can also improve your overall health and functioning. One of the reasons why chiropractic care is so effective is because it can be personalized to meet the specific needs of the patient. Since no two patients are the same, no two chiropractic care programs will be the exact same. It’s all about meeting the needs and the healthcare goals of the patient.
There are several different types of specialized adjustments. Many of the most common ones include the Activator method, the Diversified technique, or the Gonstead technique. Regardless of the method, chiropractic adjustments are safe and can prove to be effective for treating a range of injuries and ailments. Doctors will often recommend chiropractic care in tandem with other treatments for patients recovering from an injury, especially if that injury affected their back or one of their joints.
Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?
Before your first visit to a chiropractor, it’s natural to be a little hesitant. After all, how couldn’t you be just a little bit with those loud cracks you’ve heard about from adjustments? But this shouldn’t stop you from receiving this type of important care. In fact, for most patients, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt one bit. Since chiropractic care works with your body to heal, not against it, this is one of the safer and more pain-free approaches to care and accident recovery, After all, chiropractic care is designed to provide relief from pain—not cause it. Many patients even find that the adjustments feel relaxing or soothing.
However, after a session, it’s not uncommon for the patient to feel some minor aches or soreness. But in fact, this is a positive sign. The soreness shows that your body is actually beginning to heal itself naturally and the recovery process is well on its way. This mild soreness is similar to how you’d feel after a good workout at the gym and usually subsides after a day or two. However, if the soreness persists well after that, reach out to your chiropractor for information.
Additionally, many patients choose to pursue chiropractic care over other types of treatment because this form of therapy is safe and actually works with your body to heal naturally. Unlike more invasive types of care, like surgery or prescription medication, chiropractic adjustments unlock your body’s ability to heal and recover. Many patients also receive chiropractic adjustments to boost their overall health, physical performance, and to even reduce their risk of potential injuries in the future.
Why Do Chiropractic Adjustments Make That Popping Sound?
When receiving chiropractic care, it’s common to hear a slight popping or cracking sound during an adjustment. While some may think this sound relates to pain, that’s not quite the case. When the chiropractor applies pressure and realigns the spine, patients may hear a popping sound like when you crack your knuckles. This sound is an indication of a gas bubble being released between the joints. Rarely do patients ever report any type of pain when a gas bubble is released and they hear a pop. Instead, similar to the care program in general, most patients say it feels relaxing and soothing.
Conclusion – Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?
If it’s your first visit to a chiropractic office, you’re bound to have some questions. Unlike simply receiving medication for a health issue, chiropractic care is a much more involved and hands-on approach to care that works with your body to heal naturally. Chiropractic adjustments can work to realign your spine (and your entire musculoskeletal system) to its proper positioning. When this occurs, many patients experience a range of health benefits, such as relief from pain, better posture, restored mobility, and more.
But many first-time patients may be concerned that these adjustments hurt. Luckily, the vast majority of chiropractic patients report that the entire experience is pain-free, and in fact, can be relaxing or soothing. After your session, however, you may experience mild soreness, similar to how you feel after the gym. But don’t worry, this is a positive sign and shows that your body is beginning to heal. If an adjustment does hurt, speak with your chiropractor immediately and they’ll be able to adjust the therapy to ensure your experience is as positive, and as effective, as possible.
