What
happens when the spine is adjusted and what is that pop?
Rapid
stretching at the spinal joint results in significant therapeutic
intervention. The exact nature of the intervention is what
chiropractic researchers are just beginning to understand.
On one level, muscle and ligaments stretch, blood circulation
increases, and nerve fibers fire rapidly at the moment of
the chiropractic adjustment. But the picture is more complicated.
To understand this complexity, we need to return to the
spinal joint and its neuroanatomy; the anatomy of the nerves
and the nervous system. This includes the stimulation of
mechanoreceptors (responds to mechanical pressure) and the
stretching of muscle receptors called muscle spindles, all
of which are stimulated by the chiropractic adjustment.
During
the adjustment, the low back has undergone quick and gentle
stretching of the spinal joint. The patient may hear a cracking
or popping noise as the joint is opened. Research has proved
that small pockets of air or bubbles are found in the tissue
fluid surrounding a joint capsule. When the joint tissues
are stretched during a chiropractic adjustment, the pockets
of air 'pop' creating a cracking sound.
When
the patient gets up from the table, she feels more movement
in her lower back. The muscles may still be sore and tight,
but spinal motion is improved. She will return to Dr. Cady
for additional sessions that include muscle therapies and
adjusting. Each session will provide more relief. Dr. Cady
may suggest preventive care such as specific exercises and
ergonomic tips on how to correctly bend and lift. Preventive
care of this type helps to maintain spinal motion. A follow-up
visit may be suggested depending on your specific problem.
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