North Haven chiropractor, chiropractor in North Haven, CT

Chiropractic Adjustments

The term "adjustment" refers to the specific manipulation chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of chiropractic care is to reduce subluxation, which results in an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability and improved function.

The adjustment made by the chiropractor consists of a high velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to a vertebra, which is often accompanied by an audible release of gas (joint cavitation). The audible sound is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure (cavitation). The sensation is usually relieving, though minor discomfort has been reported (that usually lasts for only a short time duration) if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic procedure.

There are times when joint cavitation does not occur. This is often due to either significant muscle splinting or the patient may not be adequately relaxed during the chiropractic procedure. At times like this, it is sometimes best for the chiropractor to apply ice, have the patient rest, or do electrical muscle stimulation to address the tight muscles.

There may be times when the aforementioned manual adjustments are not the best course of care. In these cases, we have several non-force techniques to choose from, including Flexion/ Distraction decompression, Arthrostim Instrument adjusting, Cranial work, and gentle mobilization.