Chiropractic Adjustment

What is a chiropractic adjustment and what conditions do they treat?

A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a technique used by chiropractors to apply controlled force to specific joints in the spine or other areas of the body to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore proper function. The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to eliminate interference to the body’s natural healing processes, which can help alleviate a wide range of conditions.

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to perform adjustments, including:

1. Manual manipulation: Using their hands to apply controlled force to specific joints.
2. Instrument-assisted manipulation: Using tools such as activators or distractors to apply gentle force.
3. Drop table technique: Using a specialized table that allows for precise adjustments.

Chiropractors treat a wide range of conditions, including:

1. Back pain: Lower back pain, upper back pain, and neck pain.
2. Headaches: Tension headaches, migraines, and cervicogenic headaches.
3. Neck pain: Whiplash, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.
4. Sciatica: Pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs and lower back.
5. Herniated discs: Bulging or herniated discs in the spine.
6. Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal.
7. Fibromyalgia: Chronic widespread pain and fatigue.
8. Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease in the spine or extremities.
9. Sports injuries: Strains, sprains, and injuries related to sports and physical activity.
10. Pregnancy-related pain: Back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica during pregnancy.

Chiropractors may also use adjustments to treat conditions related to:

1. Digestive issues: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and bloating.
2. Stress and anxiety: Tension headaches and chronic stress.
3. Sleep disorders: Insomnia and sleep apnea.
4. Ear infections: Ear infections and ear congestion.
5. Infertility: Chiropractic care has been shown to improve fertility in women.

While chiropractic adjustments are often associated with back pain and neck pain, they can be used to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors may also use other techniques such as massage, physical therapy, and exercise to complement their adjustments.

How common are chiropractic adjustments in the US?

Chiropractic adjustments are a common form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United States. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), chiropractic care is one of the most popular forms of CAM in the US.

Here are some statistics on the prevalence of chiropractic care in the US:

1. Prevalence: According to a 2017 survey by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), approximately 12.5% of adults in the US (or about 28 million people) had used chiropractic care in the past year.
2. Frequency: The same survey found that 45.6% of adults who had used chiropractic care in the past year had received at least one adjustment in the past month.
3. Age: Chiropractic care is more common among younger adults, with 17.3% of those aged 18-24 having used chiropractic care in the past year, compared to 6.3% of those aged 65 and older.
4. Sex: Women are more likely to use chiropractic care than men, with 14.4% of women having used chiropractic care in the past year, compared to 10.3% of men.
5. Region: Chiropractic care is more common in certain regions, such as the West Coast, where 15.6% of adults had used chiropractic care in the past year, compared to 9.4% in the Northeast.
6. Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans. This has helped increase access to chiropractic care and contributed to its popularity.
7. Growing demand: The demand for chiropractic care is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing awareness of the benefits of CAM therapies, aging population, and changes in healthcare policy.

Overall, chiropractic adjustments are a common and widely accepted form of complementary and alternative medicine in the US, with millions of Americans using chiropractic care each year to manage pain, improve function, and maintain overall health.