Are adjustments safe?

There are literally hundreds of published scientific studies proving chiropractic safety and effectiveness. In the words of the New Zealand governments and Corey, chiropractic care is “remarkably safe.”

Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. In fact, chiropractic adjustments are safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers, Tylenol, and even aspirin. Chiropractic care is validated in the medical research as being a highly effective pain management therapy with the highest levels of patient satisfaction. Medical studies also show chiropractic spinal adjustments to be highly effective.

What is an adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a therapy using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is stuck or hypomobile, or not moving properly. This may be done manually (with hands) or it may be done with very gentle procedures using an instrument to add motion to a joint, helping the joint to move more correctly, reducing joint load and friction and pressure, thereby decreasing inflammation and swelling, and also reducing pain through a variety of neurological mechanisms outlined in the medical research. It is an extremely safe and effective procedure which improves joint function, specifically spinal function, allowing for better movement and decreased pain without taking drugs.

There are hundreds of ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor’s hands or specially designed instruments deliver a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow constant pressure.