Spinal & Joint Alignment

Spinal and joint alignment is the process of using a quick force into a specific area of the body to adjust the vertebral position in the spine or realign bone position in joints to reduce pain, release muscle tension, increase mobility and enhance circulation and neural firing.  It is also termed spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments

How can Spinal & Joint Alignment help you?

The therapeutic effects of mobilization and alignment include the following:
  • Pain reduction
  • Relaxation and release of muscle spasm by stretching tight muscles
  • Restoration of the joint’s normal position and biomechanical function
  • Release of nerve compression and irritated sympathetic chain ganglia
  • Increase in local blood flow
  • Improvement of digestion by facilitating better blood flow and neural input to organs
  • Release of entrapped synovial material within the joint cavity
  • Release of local soft tissue adhesions
  • Shortening time to recovery from acute back pain
  • Shifting the position of the intervertebral disc
  • Increase in range of motion
  • Stress reduction and decreased anxiety

Is it Painful?

Spinal and joint alignment should be pain-free. The body must be put into a particular position to in order for the bones to realign. In this position, you will feel a slight pressure building, and as the quick force is applied, you may feel and hear a pop or click as the bones realign. After the realignment occurs, you should feel a warming or relaxing sensation in the local area as circulation increases and muscles relax. 

If the vertebral segment or joint has been out of alignment for a long time, the soft tissues holding the joint will be very tight and you may experience local soreness for a day or two after the adjustment

How long does it take?

The alignment itself happens in a matter of seconds; however, alignment is not about forcing the body back into balance.  We use a careful methodical approach by first doing a thorough assessment of the underlying root causes of your imbalance.  We then formulate a plan for addressing these root causes.  In order for the alignment to last, the muscles and soft tissue structures around the joint must be worked on and relaxed before and after the adjustment. This is what makes up the majority of the appointment. 

If the vertebral segment or joint has been out of alignment for a long time, it may take numerous sessions to maintain the alignment and for the body to become accustomed to the new position.