If you are curious about chiropractic care and would like to know more, this article is for you. Many people seek help for back pain, neck pain, or restricted movement that affects daily living. My role as a chiropractor is not only to provide treatment and evidence-informed care, but to provide knowledge and education to help you feel your best.

Chiropractic care focuses on improving your mobility, joint function, and nervous system health. Therapies used include spinal manipulation, mobilisation, and soft tissue techniques.

Read on to discover more about the benefits of chiropractic care.

The importance of spinal alignment

Your spine has many important functions, from stability and weight bearing to housing and protecting the spinal cord. Your spinal cord is the communication highway connecting your brain to the many nerves throughout the body.

When the spine is aligned and nerves can communicate effectively, our body, including the musculoskeletal system, works and functions optimally. However, if the spine is not aligned, whether from poor posture, injury, or repetitive strain, symptoms such as discomfort, pain, stiffness, and restricted movement may result.

These restrictions at the joint can lead to tension in surrounding soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments, which can affect nerve function. This is why chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment, allowing the body to move and function properly.

What happens during a chiropractic adjustment?

One of the primary tools of chiropractic is spinal manipulation, also known as a chiropractic adjustment. This technique involves applying a controlled force to a specific joint to help improve movement and relieve tension.

A common misconception regarding chiropractic adjustments is that we ‘crack’ bones. The sound that’s produced during a cavitation is simply gas being released from the joint space. This adjustment creates immediate feedback to the nervous system, and many patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, while others notice gradual improvement over a few sessions.

What about chiropractic for sports injuries?

Chiropractic care may be beneficial for managing and recovering from sports injuries by addressing muscular imbalances that contribute to pain and mobility loss.

Through techniques such as spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises, chiropractors help restore joint function, reduce inflammation, and support the healing required to get people back to their sport or activity of choice.

This approach may enhance athletic performance, improve flexibility, and decrease the likelihood of re-injury, especially when integrated with advice on posture and activity modification tailored to the demands of specific sports.

Find out more about how chiropractors help treat sporting injuries here.

What to expect at your first chiropractic visit?

Here’s some information on what you can expect from an initial consultation with a chiropractor.

Consultation and assessment

This will include a discussion around your presenting symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your condition.

Physical examination

This exam looks at your posture, movement, and specialised testing such as orthopaedic and neurological assessments.

Diagnostic imaging

If required, x-rays or other imaging may be recommended to gain a clear picture of your spinal health.

Treatment plan

If chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition, we’ll develop a personalised treatment plan that may include adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and lifestyle advice to support your recovery.

Your first treatment

If appropriate, we may perform an adjustment or other therapy during your first visit to help start the healing process and see how your body responds to chiropractic care.

Is chiropractic care right for you?

Chiropractic care is commonly used for back and neck pain, but it may also help with conditions such as joint discomfort, sports injuries, and posture-related issues. Whether you have an acute injury or something that has been going on for a longer period of time, chiropractic treatment may be beneficial and improve your health status.

If you have been dealing with pain, stiffness, or loss of mobility or just feel that ‘something is off,’ chiropractic care might be worth exploring.

Key points:

• Spinal alignment is important for optimal body function, as it connects the brain to nerves. Incorrect alignment may cause discomfort, pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
• Chiropractic care aims to restore proper alignment through spinal manipulation, which involves applying a controlled force to a specific joint.
• Chiropractic care may help with back and neck pain, headaches, joint discomfort, and posture-related issues.

Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

Author: Dr. Matthew Alch (Chiropractor) has been practising with Sydney Spinal Care since late 2002. Matthew graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and a Masters of Chiropractic. He is a member of The Chiropractors Association of Australia and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.