What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a precise and controlled force applied to an abnormal vertebra or the joint involved to move it back into place, restore proper position, mobility, and neurological function. This is also sometimes known as spinal manipulation. In our office, at Neuro St Pete, we take a joint approach by using both hands-on and instrument-assisted techniques to eliminate these false restrictions within the joints so that natural movement patterns can be restored.
Chiropractic adjustments are typically painless and then often accompanied by an increase in mobility, decreased pain, and feelings of relaxation. These results are compounded when combined with other therapies we provide, such as low-level light and BEMER circulation therapy as part of our neurology–based brain stimulation protocols.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This involves problems occurring in the spine, joints, muscles, and related nerves. Here at Neuroplasticity St Pete, our physicians have specialized in upper cervical spine and functional neurology with extensive post-graduate training.
This is what allows our team to take it further than standard corrections. We take into account the bigger picture of the patient’s health (i.e., their lifestyle, movement patterns, quality of sleep/nutrition, and emotional stressors) and adapt each session to address these connections. We take an integrated, evidence-based, and personalized approach.
What Training Do Chiropractors Receive?
Becoming a chiropractor is no simple task to graduate and become a chiropractor. In the United States, graduating chiropractic doctors receive a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) after at least 3 years of undergraduate study and another 4–5 years of advanced training. This Ph or D. includes 4200 hours of instruction and a practicum with supervised clinical practice.
Our doctors at Neuro St Pete have additionally studied advanced chiropractic techniques and applications in neurology following undergrad. This level of specialization enables us to effectively and safely manage more complex cases like post-concussion syndrome, chronic migraines, or autonomic nervous system dysregulation.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Everyone?
Can a chiropractor treat anyone? In most cases, yes. Most people, no matter what their age, make good candidates, and Chiropractic work is safer than you think. Nevertheless, one should be aware that not all patients will meet the criteria for manipulation, and a thorough history and examination are always performed before treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?
The advantages of chiropractic treatment are numerous, especially for those who wish to avoid taking medication or having surgery. Typical clinical changes seen in our St. Petersburg office are:
Other benefits include fewer, less severe headaches and migraines
- Improved posture and spinal alignment
- Enhanced mobility and flexibility
- Relieve joint pain and soft tissue pressure
- Relief of Osteoarthritis and Whiplash Pain
- The nervous system is under more control
As one aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan, chiropractic care may contribute to improved physical function and better well-being. We are all about addressing treatments that allow the body to heal itself.
Are There Risks Associated with Chiropractic Adjustments?
While chiropractic care is very safe, the adjustments may make you feel slightly sore or tired after an adjustment. These are all usually quite normal side effects and should be gone in a day or two as your body adjusts to the detox.
Herniated disc and nerve damage, while possible serious complications as well, are very rare. Published studies state that the number of strokes resulting from a chiropractic neck adjustment has been estimated at one per 5.8 million treatments, a risk far less than associated with routine activities like driving, or accepted medical procedures for the same conditions and lesser whiplash injury. The chiropractor graduates have learnt red flags, what contraindications are, and how to handle with care the patient who may be at risk.
Safety is First at Neuro St Pete. Our assessments, communications, and evidence-based protocols are very strong to ensure our decision-making is robust.
What Can Patients Expect During a Chiropractic Visit?
The First Visit to Neuroplasticity St Pete. There is usually a 60-minute Assessment during first-time visits, which consists of a Detailed health History Exam and Functional neurological examination. For subsequent visits, patients take 30 minutes for care that can include spinal manipulation, brain-based therapies, myofascial work, and recommendations for movement, nutrition, and recovery.
Various treatments, depending on the patient’s motility, may also be included:
- Light spinal manipulations (using the Advanced Orthogonal technique
- Low-level laser therapy for inflammation and tissue regeneration
- PEMF and BrainTap treatments to aid in neurological reset
- BEMER for facilitated circulation on the cellular level
- Nutritional and lifestyle counseling
- Electrical stimulation for muscular activation
- Thermal therapy and/or kinesiology taping as indicated
This multi-pronged approach enables us to work at more than one level (neurological, structural, and biochemical) towards healing.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
A widely disseminated but unsubstantiated claim is that chiropractic neck adjustments can cause a stroke. Certainly, the evidence should not be added to suggest this will be a common or probable outcome. The risk is generally less, statistically speaking, than many of the routine medical procedures we encounter daily, such as over-the-counter medications.
The vast majority of mild adverse events associated with chiropractic care resolve spontaneously. Complications are rare when the correct patient is selected for surgery, well-trained surgeons perform the cases, and have experience treating any complications if they arise. At Neuroplasticity St Pete, Patient education and patient safety are at the heart of all that we do.
Is Chiropractic Safe? A Clinical Perspective
To conclude, is chiropractic safe? Yes, if performed by a licensed and experienced professional. Manipulation of the spine and extremities is an important tool in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, and is used by complementary and alternative medical practitioners all over the world.
At Neuroplasticity St Pete, we are proud to provide a care model revolving around time, expertise, and customized treatment. All over St Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, and Gulfport, our patients turn to us not only because they love the outcome, but because we care and offer them one-on support from start to finish.
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (727) 202-6006. Our doctors are here to lead you toward correct information so that they can then give you good care as we move forward.
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