Spinal Adjustments NYC - Dr. Alicia Armitstead

"The pain, pressure, and stiffness from a misaligned spine can complicate daily life. A spinal adjustment can correct those issues and help people experience a better quality of life."

-Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Spine Realignments at the Healing Arts NYC Health and Wellness Center in Manhattan NY 10017 and Connecticut

What is a Spine Adjustment?

A spinal adjustment may sound somewhat frightening, but it is a frequent technique that a Spinal Adjustment Chiropractor, like Dr. Alicia Armitstead, trains to perform safely. Adjustments use the hands and some specific medical instruments to place pressure on spinal joints. The pressure is applied where the patient needs them to encourage the joint into its proper place. The process aligns the spine properly for mobility and pain relief. The movements occur using a quick thrust with the amount of pressure required.

During the procedure, the patient will hear pops or cracks. The noises are not the bones cracking. Instead, the sound is the synovial fluid in the joint releasing the gasses inside. The gas release is a stimulant to the brain to reduce pain signals. Cavitation is the name for the sound, and people will hear the same noise when cracking their knuckles or possibly during a deep stretch after a long rest.

The pain may become a consistent pressure and tightness in the affected area or a burning sensation. Many people will have an overall discomfort that becomes a sharper pain in the affected area during specific movements.

Common Reasons for Needing a Spinal Manipulation

People may visit Dr. Alicia Armstead for one adjustment after a traumatic event or schedule regularly occurring visits to maintain the alignment in their spine. Many things can cause the spine to become misaligned. The most frequent reasons people need a spinal adjustment include:

• Recent pregnancy or childbirth
• Auto accidents
• Slips and falls
• Spending hours in a seated position
• Standing on concrete surfaces at work
• Poor posture
• Improper or old mattresses
  

• Uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes
• Chronic health conditions
• Lifting or twisting incorrectly
• Excess weight
• Poor nutrition
• Active lifestyles
• Sports Injuries

How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?

A correctly aligned spine reduces pain and allows better communication with the central nervous system. The signal improvement to the nervous system allows for better control of body movement for more mobility, balance, and flexibility. Spinal adjustments correct joint misalignments that can cause the bones to apply pressure or cause friction and pain in the area. Alignments also allow the synovial fluid to move better through the joints to lubricate and nourish the joints as needed. The increased flow of the joint fluid can also improve the overall range of motion and comfort.

Most people will feel some pain relief during the treatment. It is also possible for people to experience some fatigue, tenderness in the treatment area, or a mild headache for a few minutes or a few hours after their session. These sensations occur as the body adapts to the realignment. The symptoms are not a sign of injury or other concern. They are a natural signal of healing in the body. Any tiredness or achiness will fade quickly and will not necessarily reoccur during follow-up or maintenance visits.

What Happens if a Spinal Misalignment is Untreated?

Not treating a spinal misalignment can result in gradually increasing pain and stiffness. Pain may also develop in other body areas because of the need to adapt movements due to back, neck, and shoulder discomfort and stiffness. In some instances, the individual can develop an uneven gait or have less ability to lift or move as needed to perform their work tasks or go about their routines. In addition, the discomfort from the misalignment can make it difficult to sit or stand without pain. Sleep quality may also become affected.

Additional References

• The Healing Power of Alignment - Healing Arts NYC Blog
• Chiropractic Adjustments - Mayo Clinic
• Spinal Manipulation - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health