Glenwood Springs chiropractor, chiropractor in Glenwood Springs, CO

ADJUSTMENTS

The term "adjustment" refers to the specific manipulation chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally, called a subluxation. The object of the chiropractic treatment is to reduce the 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, low amplitude thrust, applied to a vertebra, which is often accompanied by an audible joint cavitation. The audible sound is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide gases, which releases joint pressure. The sensation is usually relieving, though minor discomfort has been reported from time to time (that usually lasts for only a short period of time) if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic procedure.

There are times when joint cavitation or cracking does not occur, this does not mean the bone has not moved back into place. You chiropractor is able to feel that the bone has moved, even without hearing the cavitation. This is a completely normal occurrence.