Villa Park chiropractor, chiropractor in Villa Park, IL

ADJUSTMENTS/ MANIPULATION

The term "adjustment" refers to the specific manipulation chiropractors use to restore normal alignment and movement to the joints of your body - usually your spinal joints. The objective of the chiropractic adjustment is to reduce the subluxation. A subluxation is when there is abnormal motion or position of the bones of the spine. This can pinch or irritate your nerves and interfere with the essential exchange of information between your brain and the muscles, organs and tissues of your body.

The adjustment made by your chiropractor consists of a short thrust applied to a vertebra. This is often accompanied by an audible release of gas in the joint (joint cavitation). The audible sound is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide from the joint, which releases joint pressure. This is what some people refer to as "cracking" of their bones. It's not a cracking of the bones but a release of air - much like the sound of a champaigne cork releasing. The sensation is usually pain relieving and tension relieving feeling.

All adjustments are tailored to the individual patient. Certainly a six month old child or a 93 year old woman are not going to be adjusted the same as a 22 year old athlete! (And yes, six month old children and 93 year old adults do get adjusted and get relief from their health problems.)