Colorado Spine & Joint Center

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Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments


At CSJC Sports Chiropractic, our patient-centered approach combines the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to inform treatment decisions and achieve optimal outcomes. Motion palpation is a crucial tool we use to assess joint mobility and function, while chiropractic adjustments effectively address joint dysfunction, offering benefits like pain relief, improved range of motion, injury prevention, and enhanced athletic performance. The popping sound during adjustments is not necessary for effectiveness, and various techniques can be equally effective. We emphasize the use of motion palpation to objectively evaluate adjustments and ensure normal joint function. Dysfunction in one area of the body can affect other seemingly unrelated parts, leading to pain, dysfunction, and injury. By addressing the root cause, we can prevent compensatory movement patterns and reduce the risk of injury. Our personalized and evidence-based approach aims to optimize joint function, reduce pain, and support overall health and wellbeing.

This article discusses the following:

  • Evidence Based Chiropractic

  • Motion Palpation

  • Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

  • Misconceptions about the Popping Sound during Adjustments

  • The Role of Motion Palpation in Assessing Joint Function

  • Regional Interdependence and Its Impact on Overall Health and Wellness

Evidence Based Chiropractic: 

At CSJC Sports Chiropractic, we are committed to providing evidence-based care that is grounded in the latest research and clinical best practices. Evidence-based chiropractic is a patient-centered approach that uses a combination of the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to inform treatment decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Motion Palpation: 

One of the most important tools we use in our clinic is motion palpation. Motion palpation is a hands-on technique that allows us to assess the mobility and function of individual joints in the body. By applying pressure and assessing the movement of the joint, we can identify areas of restriction or dysfunction that may be contributing to pain or other symptoms.

Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most common techniques we use to address joint dysfunction. These adjustments involve applying a quick, controlled force to the joint, which can help restore normal joint mobility and improve overall function. There are many benefits to chiropractic adjustments, including:

Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments: 

  • Pain Relief: Adjustments can help reduce pain and inflammation by improving joint mobility and reducing pressure on the surrounding tissues.

  • Improved Range of Motion: By restoring normal joint mobility, adjustments can help improve range of motion and overall function.

  • Injury Prevention: By addressing areas of restriction or dysfunction, adjustments can help reduce the risk of future injuries.

  • Improved Athletic Performance: By improving joint function and mobility, adjustments can help athletes perform at their best and avoid performance-limiting injuries.

Addicted to Crack? Don’t be! 

During a chiropractic adjustment, you may hear a popping sound, which is sometimes referred to as cavitation. This sound occurs when gas bubbles within the joint fluid are rapidly released, creating a popping or cracking noise. While the sound can be surprising, it is completely normal and sometimes indicates that the adjustment was successful in restoring normal joint function.

However, it's important to note that the popping sound is not necessary for an adjustment to be effective. In fact, some adjustments may not produce an audible pop, but can still be effective in improving joint mobility and reducing pain or discomfort. This is because the popping sound is not the actual goal of the adjustment – it's just a side effect of the rapid release of gas within the joint.

It's also worth noting that not all chiropractic techniques involve joint cavitation. For example, low-force techniques like instrument-assisted adjustments may not produce a popping sound. This doesn't mean that these techniques are less effective – they can still be very effective at reducing pain and improving joint function.

So, if you didn't experience a popping sound during your chiropractic adjustment, it doesn't mean that the adjustment didn't achieve its intended result. The most important thing is that optimal joint function and mobility was restored. This is one of the reasons why we use motion palpation as a key tool in assessing joint function and determining the appropriate adjustment needed to restore normal joint motion. 

By using motion palpation both before and after an adjustment, we can objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the adjustment and ensure that normal joint function has been restored. This is important because even if an adjustment produces an audible pop or other immediate changes, it may take some time for the body to fully adapt to the new alignment and for the tissues to heal.

After an adjustment, we may use motion palpation to assess whether the joint can move through its full range of motion without restriction. If we detect any areas of continued restriction or dysfunction, we may adjust the area again with a different technique or send you home with a specific joint mobility exercise to target this region.

By using a combination of motion palpation and other evidence-based techniques, we can provide personalized care that is tailored to each patient's specific needs and goals. This approach allows us to optimize joint function, reduce pain and discomfort, and support overall health and wellness.

At CSJC Sports Chiropractic, we prioritize patient comfort and safety, and we will always explain what to expect during an adjustment so that you feel informed and empowered to take an active role in your care.


Regional Interdependence: 

Optimal joint mobility is critical for overall health and wellness, and this is where the principles of regional interdependence come into play. The body is a complex system in which different parts are interconnected and interdependent. When one part of the body is not functioning properly, it can have a ripple effect on other areas, leading to pain, dysfunction, and even injury.

For example, if a runner has restricted mobility in their hip joint, this can lead to compensatory movements in other areas of the body, such as the knee or ankle. Over time, these compensations can lead to pain, dysfunction, and even injury. By addressing the root cause of the problem – in this case, restricted hip mobility – we can help prevent these compensatory movements and reduce the risk of injury.

At CSJC Sports Chiropractic, we use a combination of high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments, low-force osteopathic style adjustments, and drop table adjustments to address joint dysfunction and improve overall function.

By using evidence-based techniques like motion palpation, we can provide personalized care that is tailored to each patient's unique needs and preferences. Whether you're an elite athlete or just looking to stay active and healthy, chiropractic care can be an effective way to support your overall health and wellbeing.