Do Chiropractors Hurt?
You’ve heard the adage, “no pain, no gain.”
But does that include medicine? Namely, do chiropractors hurt?
For those who experience a range of discomfort—from back and neck pain to sciatica and more—chiropractors provide instant, long-lasting relief. However, while their treatments are often highly effective, some fear the process. And the biggest concern they voice is, “Do chiropractors hurt?”
If you’re considering receiving a chiropractic adjustment but you’re wary of the process, this article is for you.
Do Chiropractors Hurt?
In general, a chiropractic adjustment doesn’t hurt. However, if the issue is more serious, you may feel temporary pain as your chiropractor addresses the problem.
Don’t let this worry you, though. The small amount of pain that you may (or may not) feel during your adjustment is far less than the pain that led you to the chiropractor in the first place. And what’s more, your pain will be vastly improved as a result!
You may have slight soreness the following day as your muscles get used to their new position. Most, however, report leaving their chiropractic session feeling rejuvenated and pain-free!
What Is A Chiropractic Adjustment?
When you visit a licensed chiropractor, they will do an initial assessment of your body in order to pinpoint the underlying issue. At Oviedo Chiropractic, this often involves the use of our in-house x-ray to determine which joints are out of alignment.
Once the source of the pain is determined, they will begin to realign any parts of your body that are out of place by pressing gently on your back. This motion puts your spine back in line, improving your posture and bodily function and relieving pain.
Your chiropractor may use either their hands or special medical instruments that manipulate your joints quickly in a controlled fashion.
What To Expect During A Chiropractic Adjustment
Although your first chiropractic adjustment may seem intimidating, you may quickly find it is the highlight of your day!
Once you arrive, you will enter a treatment room just like your doctor’s office. There, you will likely find a padded table that resembles a massage table. Chiropractic tables are capable of much more movement than a typical doctor’s table, however. They can lift up and down, stretch your back, or even do automatic adjustments.
Once your chiropractor discusses what is bothering you and does a thorough diagnostic, they will explain their treatment plan for targeting your pain. They may ask you questions about your family history and daily routine. Then, they will have you lay on the table and begin treatment.
Don’t worry; your chiropractor will explain everything as you go, providing peace of mind during your visit.
You will likely hear cracks and pops from your joints as they work. These sounds are completely normal and should not hurt at all. The sound you hear is not actually your bones “cracking,” but gas bubbles being released from the joint.
While every adjustment varies, chiropractors generally follow a standard format to target the main areas of your spine. Once finished, they will provide you with follow-up care advice which may include applying heating pads or ice packs to the sensitive area. At Oviedo Chiropractic, you also have the option to undergo e-stim therapy for added healing.
Types Of Chiropractic Adjustments
While the adjustment process is relatively straightforward, it is important to note that there are multiple types your chiropractor may perform depending on your symptoms.
Lower Back Adjustments
Lower back adjustments are one of the most common, thanks to the high level of back pain affecting many Americans.
There are multiple ways to perform a lower back adjustment, with the most common one involving the patient lying on their back. The chiropractor will rotate the hips gently, bringing one leg over the other, allowing the lower body to rest on the hip.
You will most likely hear pops during this process and feel some pressure release, but it should not cause any pain.
Neck Adjustments
If you’re experiencing neck tension or chronic headaches, a neck adjustment can help relieve these symptoms.
During the treatment, the chiropractor manipulates the cervical vertebrae to help improve joint mobility. You will begin by lying on your back while your chiropractor gently moves your neck, rotating from side to side in a highly controlled motion. This treatment is quick and highly effective, proving to be a favorite amongst patients!
Shoulder Adjustments
Shoulder adjustments vary from the previously discussed treatments since the patient is generally seated instead of in the lying position. The chiropractor will gently manipulate your shoulder to shift the joint forward or backward, creating a better alignment.
Shoulder adjustments are an excellent way to improve posture, assist with the patient’s overall spinal alignment, and relieve headaches and back and neck pain.
How Often Should I Receive An Adjustment?
The frequency of your adjustments depends solely on your pain levels and the effectiveness of the treatment. For minor issues, it’s not uncommon to experience complete relief after only a single adjustment. At the same time, more complex problems may require multiple sessions.
Many people also choose to see their chiropractors weekly or monthly as a preventative measure to help guard against issues arising in the future.
In the past, many insurance companies did not count chiropractic care as a necessary medical treatment, failing to provide coverage and forcing the patient to pay out of pocket. However, as time progressed, more companies began covering this beneficial treatment, with the vast majority now offering chiropractic coverage in their plans.
Take The First Steps To Pain-Free Living
A chiropractic adjustment is a safe, effective, and often pain-free treatment for a wide range of issues, providing relief for patients without medication. Although you may experience minor soreness following your session, it is doubtful that you will be in significant pain during your adjustment.
If you’re ready to rediscover the freedom a pain-free life brings, Oviedo Chiropractic is here to help. We proudly provide comprehensive chiropractic care for a wide range of issues, providing our patients with much-needed relief.
From the moment you walk into our welcoming office, you are greeted with friendly, smiling faces, eager to put your mind at ease. You don’t have to suffer from pain any longer; with Oviedo Chiropractic, a pain-free life is just an adjustment away!
