How a Chiropractor Adjusts Your Neck
A chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in the manipulation of your spine and neck. They have a wide range of techniques and skills for improving spinal movement, relieving neck pain and preventing future problems.
They use a combination of hands-on and instrument-assisted adjustments, depending on your specific needs and diagnostic findings. They may also recommend a program of care that might include cervical mobilization, massage or rehabilitative exercises. Many chiropractors work in private practice clinics, while others are employed by medical insurance companies. Choosing one that is in-network with your insurer can decrease your out-of-pocket costs.
The most common way a chiropractor adjusts your neck is by using their hands. They rotate and stretch your neck joints to achieve decreased pressure and increased joint function, which sometimes creates a cracking or popping sound — this is called cavitation and it’s nothing to worry about. The sound is caused by gas bubbles escaping from the stretched joint fluid. Chiropractors also use instruments to adjust your neck, such as an Activator or Drop piece table. These instruments don’t usually cause a cavitation but do allow for precise adjustments without the hand contact.
Several things can indicate a need for a chiropractic adjustment, including a sedentary lifestyle that puts unnecessary pressure on the spine and shoulders, unexplained headaches, and stiffness in your back or neck. When compared with prescription or over-the-counter painkillers that mask symptoms and introduce their own risks, a chiropractic adjustment is a safe and effective treatment for chiropractor neck adjustment
