What Are Spinal Adjustments?
Spinal adjustments, sometimes also known as spinal manipulation, is a technique where medical providers will use their hands or a device to apply force to certain areas in a patient’s spine.
This is to correct some form of misalignment in the spine that is causing pain via nerve compression or similar.
Why Are Spinal Adjustments Performed?
Spinal adjustments are typically one of the first forms of treatment considered for patients suffering from pain. This is because it’s non-invasive and can be given before considering surgery to alleviate pain.
Often a spinal abnormality or misalignment can cause disc or nerve compression, causing pain, and appropriate force in the correct place can correct this.
How Are Spinal Adjustments Performed?
If you schedule a spinal adjustment, Dr. Callewart will first complete a physical exam to assess the condition of your spine and where the misalignment is.
From there, you will typically lie flat on a table, face down and Dr. Callewart will place pressure as needed either using their hands or a specially designed device.
What Should I Expect After a Spinal Adjustment?
Typically there are little to no side effects, and most patients report this kind of treatment as being relaxing. However, depending on the amount of force required to correct your spinal abnormality, you may experience some minor tenderness in the days that follow treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Adjustments
1. Does a spinal adjustment hurt?
You should not feel pain during an adjustment – there may be pops and cracks, but you should not feel significant pain.
2. How long does a spinal adjustment last?
This will depend on your specific medical concern, and the complexity of your spinal abnormality, but typically an adjustment will run anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.
