Chiropractor Neck Adjustment

A chiropractor neck adjustment is a treatment that can relieve neck pain and stiffness, improve posture, and help with other conditions that result from a misaligned spine like headaches and migraines. The treatment may include a combination of manipulation, massage, and other therapies. It can be a safe alternative to prescription or over-the-counter painkillers or surgery that can have serious side effects and require a long recovery period.

Neck manipulation involves the use of hands and other tools to mobilize spinal joints for decreased pressure, better movement, and reduced pain. When this occurs, you may hear a popping or cracking sound. This is called joint cavitation and it happens when gases in the joints escape through the small spaces between them. This is a normal part of the chiropractic adjustment.

In rare cases, high-velocity neck manipulation has been known to cause a vertebral artery dissection that can lead to stroke. Michigan Medicine neurologist Mollie McDermott, MD, says it is important to know that this is a risk of the procedure and should be discussed with your physician.

Some patients experience soreness in the neck and other areas after a chiropractor neck adjustment. This is due to the muscles and other tissues recovering from being stretched and moving differently. It is a good idea to drink lots of water to help hydrate the muscles after an adjustment. It is also a good idea to avoid self-adjusting your neck because this can cause injuries and make the problem worse.