How Spinal Manipulation Can Relieve Pressure on Your Joints

Spinal manipulation is one of the most common chiropractic procedures and can relieve pain and inflammation that is caused when excessive pressure is placed upon the joints. This review discusses exactly how spinal manipulation can decrease joint discomfort and when this adjustment may be recommended by a chiropractor.

How chiropractors use spinal manipulation for joint pressure relief

Chiropractors offer a range of services to help relieve discomfort related to joint, bone, tendon, and muscle issues. The following is everything to know about the use of spinal manipulation for the purpose of relieving pressure on joints.

What is spinal manipulation?

Spinal manipulation, which is also referred to as chiropractic adjustment, involves the application of controlled and sudden pressure on joints to correct alignment concerns, relieve inflammation, and ease discomfort. Patients often hear a cracking or popping sound during spinal manipulation and feel a sense of tension relief afterward. Spinal manipulation is performed by a chiropractor and usually involves multiple treatments each week over the course of six or more weeks.

The benefits of spinal manipulation for joint pressure relief

The benefits of spinal manipulation for joint pressure relief depend on the specific joints, the symptoms, and the patient's purpose for seeking treatment. For example, an athlete may benefit from spinal adjustments for improved athletic performance. Common benefits of spinal manipulation include:

• Improved joint function
• Nerve pressure relief
• Reduced inflammation
• Joint pressure relief
• Improved range of motion

Spinal manipulation may be utilized along with other treatments such as hot and cold therapy, ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture. It may also be recommended as an alternative to surgery or medication.

The safety and efficacy of spinal manipulation

Spinal manipulation is safe for most patients and complications are rare. In rare instances, patients may experience a tingling or numb feeling or a temporary reduction in mobility of the joints. Spinal manipulation is also effective for most patients that follow the treatment plan and choose an experienced and reputable chiropractor to perform the adjustments.

When to visit a chiropractor for joint pressure relief

Anyone who is not seeing improvements in their joint-related symptoms through lifestyle changes, or who wants to find pain relief without sacrificing key areas of their lifestyle is a good candidate for chiropractic treatment, which is likely to include spinal manipulation as a primary method of relieving the joint-related symptoms.

Additional methods to relieve joint pressure long-term

In addition to spinal manipulation, the chiropractor may also recommend joint manipulation, joint stabilization, ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture (among other potential recommendations) to relieve the discomfort the patient experiences with their joints. Every treatment plan is personalized according to the patient's specific needs and preferences.