Does anyone remember cracking each others back at a sleepover or just before a basketball game? Your taller friend would approach you from behind, grab you in a big bear hug and lift you up in a backwards manner. Or maybe what started out as a friendly back rub turns into an uncomfortable journey of cracking and twisting down your spine. We didn’t consider safety or therapeutic methodologies; just the satisfying popping sound and feel, So this might not be a common or shared experience, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lesson or two to learn, right?

First, never let someone who is unskilled and uneducated touch the most precious part of your body – your spine. Second, understand the anatomy and physiology behind spinal manipulation.

What is spinal manipulation?

According to Healthline.com, spinal manipulation, also called spinal manipulative therapy or manual therapy, combines moving and jolting joints, massage, exercise, and physical therapy. It’s designed to relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. It’s often used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and headache pain.

How does it work?

Spinal manipulation—sometimes called “spinal manipulative therapy”—is practiced by healthcare professionals such as chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and some medical doctors. Practitioners perform spinal manipulation by using their hands or a device to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine. The amount of force applied depends on the form of manipulation used. The goal of the treatment is to relieve pain and improve physical functioning.

The American Chiropractic Association updated its policy regarding spinal manipulation in 2003. That policy notes that the procedure has a good track record but is only safe when performed by highly trained chiropractors. But the statement’s major message is that more research is warranted.
What symptoms does it treat?

This type of manipulation can help a host of pain problems that begin in the neck and spine and ends in either the trunk of the body or extremities. Part of proper spinal manipulation begins with a proper evaluation.

Make notes about your pain and its origin, Try to explain the type and frequency and intensity of pain you’re experiencing. Being able to properly to communicate your problem to your doctor can lead them to using the best tools available to provide relief. And the primary tool available to a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic medicine is spinal manipulation.

Make an appointment at the Back Pain Clinic Belleville. Whether you’ve gone to a chiropractor before or haven’t seen one in year, Dr. Fast will take the time to get to know what’s causing you pain. Every member of his staff follows his philosophy that communication and knowledge can put you back in charge of your health and wellness.