A Doctor of Chiropractic will have a wide range of treatment methods that they can apply depending on the needs of the patient. In the skill set of any chiropractor will be a range of different techniques for performing chiropractic adjustments and one of the most common forms of adjustment that they will use is what is known as spinal manipulation.

As mentioned above there are many different types of chiropractic adjustment, but the main goal for all of them is somewhat similar. The intention with a chiropractic adjustment is to improve joint and bone alignment, reduce inflammation, restore nervous system function and to relieve pain. A chiropractor will choose a technique and a type of adjustment based on what exactly is ailing the individual patient and what, in their professional opinion, will work best to remedy the issue.

Spinal manipulation is one of the most commonly used forms of chiropractic adjustment and it is probably the technique that is most associated with the profession. This technique is also known as the high-velocity low-amplitude thrust technique. Depending on the problem, this technique can be very useful because it tends to provide very immediate results when it comes to pain relief.

Most chiropractors perform these adjustments by applying a sudden, precision force to the joint or area that needs an adjustment. Some chiropractors may use devices or different pieces of equipment to aid them in their adjustments, but the technique is also commonly achieved by applying force by hand. One of the most notable things that many patients will notice about this form of adjustment is that the force is often accompanied by a popping or cracking noise from the joint that is being acted upon. This sound is generated much in the same way as with the cracking of a knuckle.
While this form of adjustment does offer great results for a range of different issues, most chiropractors will use this as one part of a larger treatment plan. Whether spinal manipulation is used to treat a patient and the different treatment options that may accompany it will depend upon the results of your physical examination and the professional opinion of the individual chiropractor.

Along with spinal manipulation, a chiropractor may incorporate other treatment options including different forms of chiropractic adjustment, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, exercise, electrical stimulation and more. The range of treatments that can be available to compliment spinal manipulation will depend upon the individual chiropractor and the additional forms of education and training that they and their staff may have.

Spinal manipulation is just one of the many treatment options that a chiropractor can use to help patients that are suffering from pain and mobility issues. It is especially good for back pain, issues with inflamed nerves, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and it can work well for treating patients that are having issues with joint mobility. Contact a chiropractor and get a full physical evaluation to see whether spinal manipulation can be a good treatment option for you.