Chiropractic Adjustments in Holland Park, Brisbane
If you’re exploring chiropractic care in Holland Park or the wider Brisbane region, understanding the core techniques used is essential. Central to chiropractic practice is the procedure known as a chiropractic adjustment, also often referred to as spinal manipulation or spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). This is a specialised manual procedure employed by trained chiropractors. At Silky Oak Chiropractic, chiropractic adjustments are a primary method used within a broader framework of care, aimed at addressing musculoskeletal conditions by focusing on joint function and mobility. This page provides information about this common chiropractic technique.
Understanding Chiropractic Adjustments: Characteristics and Approach
Chiropractic adjustments are distinct manual therapy procedures that require specific skills and training. Understanding their characteristics can help clarify what to expect.
1. Restoring Joint Motion: A primary objective of a chiropractic adjustment is to restore or improve motion in joints that have become restricted, hypomobile, or are not functioning correctly. This often focuses on the joints of the spine, but adjustments can also be applied to joints in the extremities (like the shoulder, wrist, hip, or ankle). The aim is to improve the mechanical function of the joint and potentially influence associated tissues.
2. Application of a Controlled Force: The most common form of adjustment involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. This means a quick (high-velocity), short (low-amplitude) force is applied specifically to the targeted joint, often taking it briefly beyond its usual passive range of motion, but within the limits of its anatomical integrity. Chiropractors are trained to deliver these thrusts in a controlled and precise manner. It’s important to note that other forms of adjusting with varying force applications (including lower force techniques like mobilisation or instrument-assisted methods like Activator or Drop Piece) also exist within chiropractic practice. Dr. Jones utilises various techniques, tailoring the approach to the individual patient’s needs and comfort.
3. The Audible Release (‘Pop’ or Cavitation): Sometimes during an HVLA adjustment, an audible ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ may be heard. This sound is known as cavitation. It is believed to result from the rapid release of gas bubbles (mainly nitrogen) within the synovial fluid of the joint when the pressure changes during the thrust. This sound is not the sound of bones cracking or rubbing together. While common, the presence or absence of cavitation is not considered essential for a successful adjustment aimed at improving joint mobility or function.
4. Potential Effects on Musculoskeletal Pain: Chiropractic adjustments (SMT) are frequently used as part of a management plan for common musculoskeletal pain conditions. By addressing joint restrictions and influencing joint mechanics, SMT may help manage symptoms associated with conditions like non-specific low back pain, certain types of neck pain, and some forms of headache (e.g., cervicogenic headache). Numerous clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews support the use of SMT as a viable treatment option for these conditions, often demonstrating effectiveness comparable to other recommended conservative interventions like exercise or certain medications (Reference 1, 2, 3). The goal is typically pain reduction and functional improvement.
5. Potential Influence on Muscle Function: Joint restrictions can affect the function of muscles surrounding the joint, sometimes leading to increased tension, spasm, or altered activation patterns. By restoring more normal joint movement, chiropractic adjustments may have a secondary influence on these surrounding muscles, potentially helping to reduce excessive tension or improve coordination. Research continues to explore the specific neurophysiological effects of SMT on muscle activity and sensorimotor control (Reference 4, 5).
6. Focus on Musculoskeletal Health: Chiropractic care, including the use of adjustments, primarily focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles) and the potential effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health, within an evidence-based framework.
7. Part of an Integrated Care Plan: It’s crucial to understand that chiropractic adjustments are typically not performed in isolation. They form one part of a comprehensive assessment and management strategy. At Silky Oak Chiropractic, adjustments are integrated with a thorough patient history, physical examination, and often combined with other therapies such as soft tissue work, dry needling, specific exercise prescription, postural advice, and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Our Process: Chiropractic Adjustments at Silky Oak Chiropractic
Safety, thoroughness, and patient comfort are paramount in our approach to care. When chiropractic adjustments are part of your management plan, the process involves several key steps:
1. Comprehensive Assessment: Before any adjustment is considered, Dr. Jan Jones undertakes a detailed assessment. This includes discussing your medical history, symptoms, daily activities, and health goals. A physical examination follows, which may involve postural assessment, testing ranges of motion, orthopaedic tests, neurological screening, and palpation (feeling for joint movement and muscle tone). This comprehensive evaluation is crucial to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you, identify the areas requiring attention, and screen for any contraindications (reasons why an adjustment might not be safe or suitable). Imaging (like X-rays) is not routine but may be considered if clinically indicated based on your history and examination findings.
2. Identifying Areas for Adjustment: Using information from the assessment, specific joints exhibiting restricted movement or dysfunction relevant to your presentation are identified. This involves skilled palpation and motion analysis.
3. Informed Consent: Before performing an adjustment, Dr. Jones will discuss the proposed treatment plan with you, including the techniques to be used, potential effects, and any relevant considerations, ensuring you can make an informed decision about your care.
4. Performing the Adjustment: You will be carefully positioned on the chiropractic table to ensure comfort and allow precise access to the targeted joint. Dr. Jones will then apply a specific, controlled thrust or manual manoeuvre to the joint. You might feel a quick movement and possibly hear the cavitation sound (pop). While the thrust is fast, it is typically associated with minimal discomfort.
5. Re-Assessment: Following the adjustment(s), Dr. Jones may re-assess your joint mobility, muscle tension, or functional movements to evaluate the immediate response to the treatment.
6. Post-Adjustment Advice and Support: After the adjustment, you will typically receive advice regarding activities, posture, and specific exercises or stretches. This home care advice is vital for supporting the effects of the adjustment and promoting recovery and improved function.
7. Safety and Training: Registered chiropractors in Australia undergo extensive university training (typically 5 years) covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and manual therapy techniques, including spinal manipulation. They are trained to perform adjustments appropriately and to identify situations where adjustments may be contraindicated.
References:
(Note: These references point to higher-level evidence regarding spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for common conditions.)
- Low Back Pain: Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, et al. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017;317(14):1451–1460. (Supports SMT as a treatment option for acute LBP).
- Chronic Low Back Pain: Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, et al. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2019;364:l689. (Supports SMT for chronic LBP, often with moderate certainty evidence for small to moderate effects).
- Neck Pain & Headache: Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014;37(1):42-63. (Includes recommendations for SMT for certain types of neck pain and headache).
- Neurophysiological Effects (Review): Pickar JG. Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. Spine J. 2002;2(5):357-371. (Discusses potential mechanisms influencing the nervous system).
- Sensorimotor Function (Review): Haavik H, Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012;22(5):768-776. (Explores potential impacts on sensorimotor function).
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or chiropractic advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered chiropractor, for a thorough assessment, diagnosis, and discussion of appropriate treatment options based on your individual circumstances and health status. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Chiropractic care, like any healthcare intervention, carries potential risks and benefits. Treatment outcomes can vary between individuals.
