The Science Behind Chiropractic Care: How does Chiropractic adjustments work?

The Science Behind Chiropractic Care: How does Chiropractic adjustments work?

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a health profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Chiropractors at Lakeside Chiropractic Clinic use a variety of methods to help restore function and reduce discomfort. One of the most recognized techniques is the chiropractic adjustment, a precise and controlled movement applied to a joint to improve alignment and mobility.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Work

Chiropractic adjustments are carefully performed by chiropractors to target specific joints that are not moving properly. Here’s how the process works:

✅ Restores Normal Joint Motion

When a joint is restricted, it doesn’t glide as it should. An adjustment restores the natural range of motion so you can move comfortably.

✅ Reduces Nerve Irritation

Improved alignment can relieve pressure or irritation on surrounding nerves, supporting healthy nerve communication between your brain and body.

✅ Decreases Muscle Tension

When joints are stiff or misaligned, nearby muscles often tighten to protect the area. An adjustment can help muscles relax.

✅ Stimulates Local Circulation and Healing

Movement promotes better blood flow, delivering nutrients and removing metabolic waste from the area.

✅ Releases Endorphins

Research shows spinal adjustments may stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, contributing to a feeling of relief.

The Science of Chiropractic Benefits

Chiropractic benefits science has evolved over decades, with a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness. Some of the most studied areas include:

1. Back Pain Relief A randomized controlled trial assessed the addition of chiropractic care to usual medical care for low back pain in active-duty military personnel. The study found that participants receiving chiropractic care experienced significantly greater improvements in pain intensity and disability compared to those receiving usual medical care alone.

2. Neck Pain Management Best-practice recommendations for chiropractic management of adults with neck pain suggest that chiropractic manipulation and multimodal care are recommended for uncomplicated neck pain, including neck pain with headache or radicular symptoms.

3. Headache Reduction A randomized clinical trial investigated the effect of chiropractic manipulation in children aged 7–14 years with recurrent headaches. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of days with headache and a better global perceived effect in the chiropractic manipulation group compared to a sham manipulation group.

4. Improved Mobility and Function A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics investigated the effects of chiropractic spinal adjustments on motor function in individuals with chronic stroke. The study found that chiropractic care, combined with usual physical therapy, led to significant improvements in motor function, functional mobility, and quality of life compared to physical therapy alone.

5. Lower Reliance on Medications A retrospective cohort study examined the association between chiropractic care and the use of prescription opioids among older adults with spinal pain. The study found that recipients of chiropractic care had a lower risk of filling a prescription for an opioid analgesic compared to non-recipients.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit

During your first visit, your chiropractor will:

• Take a comprehensive health history
• Perform a physical and orthopedic examination
• Assess posture, movement, and any areas of pain or restriction
• Discuss treatment options and answer your questions

If chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for you, your chiropractor will use their hands or a specialized instrument to deliver a controlled force to specific joints. The technique is tailored to your comfort, health history, and treatment goals.

Book an Appointment

At Lakeside Chiropractic, we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team employs evidence-based chiropractic techniques to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.

If you’re dealing with back pain that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out what might be the causes behind it.

📍 Find us in Joondalup

📅 Book online: https://www.lakesidechiro.com.au/

While outcomes can vary, many patients find this multi-modal approach helps improve over time. If you are having back pain or any pain in general, feel free to contact us on 9300 0095 to see how we may be able to help, or visit our website for more information.

📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup. If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.

Reference

1. Goertz, C. M., Long, C. R., Vining, R. D., Pohlman, K. A., Walter, J., Coulter, I., & Hondras, M. A. (2018). Effect of usual medical care plus chiropractic care vs usual medical care alone on pain and disability among US service members with low back pain: A comparative effectiveness clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 1(1), e180105. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.0105
2. Whalen, W., Farabaugh, R. J., Hawk, C., Minkalis, A. L., Lauretti, W., Crivelli, & Walters, S. A. (2019). Best-practice recommendations for chiropractic management of patients with neck pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 42(5), 315–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2019.01.003
3. Lynge, S., Vach, W., Dissing, K. B., & Hestbaek, L. (2023). Potential effect modifiers for treatment with chiropractic manipulation versus sham manipulation for recurrent headaches in children aged 7–14 years: Development of and results from a secondary analysis of a randomised clinical trial. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 31, Article 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-023-00492-2
4. Haavik, H., Holt, K., Niazi, I. K., Murphy, B., & Desmond, P. (2021). The effects of 4 weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments on motor function in people with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Sciences, 11(5), 676. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11050676
5. Whedon, J. M., Song, Y., Mackenzie, T. A., & Phillips, R. B. (2022). Association between chiropractic care and use of prescription opioids among older Medicare beneficiaries with spinal pain: A retrospective observational study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 30, Article 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-022-00415-7