What is the Mechanism of Chiropractic Adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments are widely regarded as a highly safe and effective form of healthcare treatment that is available today. There is substantial research evidence that supports the use of adjustments for a range of spinal conditions, including low back pain, headaches, and neck pain. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that chiropractic adjustments may also offer benefits for non-musculoskeletal conditions. What are the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for these positive effects?

For more than a century, there has been speculation about how chiropractic adjustments work. Put simply, what happens when an adjustment is performed? In 2011, the SPINE journal published an article that delved into this question. According to the study, “spinal manipulative therapy force has been shown to stimulate peripheral afferents, altering central nervous system input, and enhancing motoneuron excitability.” In other words, when a chiropractic adjustment is given, it stimulates the peripheral nervous system, which then affects the central nervous system. Our nervous system is responsible for controlling our entire body, including our perception of pain. By affecting the central nervous system, chiropractic adjustments have the potential to reduce pain.

Let’s consider upper cervical chiropractic

The main objective of upper cervical chiropractic care is to fix misalignments in the upper part of the spine, known as upper cervical subluxations or subluxations specifically located in the upper neck region.

Chiropractors who specialize in the upper cervical spine focus on the first two vertebrae located in the neck area, which are referred to as C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis).

Upper cervical care is typically less forceful than general chiropractic, which makes it an excellent choice for patients who are sensitive or prefer a more gentle approach to chiropractic treatment.

Manipulating the upper cervical spine has an impact on the entire body by aligning the upper spine, which enables the central nervous system to communicate effectively with the other parts of the body.

As an upper cervical chiropractor, I utilize frequent X-rays and 3D technology to identify precisely where a vertebra requires adjustment.

When vertebrae are misaligned, they can obstruct the spinal cord and brainstem, causing ineffective or…