“Doc, usually I can get that one myself. I just turn my neck like this, see? Or twist my back like this, see? I get all these great pops and cracks. Pretty much I can adjust myself right?”
After being in practise for some time, statements like the ones above are very common. Patients often believe contorting their bodies into Cirque-Du-Soliel-like positions that result in popcorn sounds ruminating from various parts of their spines is equivalent to a chiropractic adjustment. After I kindly let them know that there is no need to demonstrate their techniques for me, I gently educate them on the difference between a chiropractic adjustment and a lay mobilization. I do not spare any details regarding the dangers of adjusting one’s own spine. If you or a loved on is a “self-cracker“, read below.
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific force delivered to a spinal vertebra for the purpose of accomplishing a number of things; decreasing muscle spasms, breaking up tiny scar tissue adhesions, reducing inflammation and most importantly, restoring proper nerve flow to the body. During the four years of postgraduate work it takes to become a chiropractor, hundreds of hours are spend learning the anatomy and physiology of the body. Hundreds of hours are then consumed learning how to diagnose areas of the spine that need to be adjusted and then hundreds more hours are spent practising specific, intentional, restorative adjustments.
It is important to understand what to do during an adjustment. It is equally important what not to do. The wrong line of drive, an inappropriate force, too much rotation or contra indications to adjustments are all things a chiropractor must be aware of before he or she ever lays a hand on a patient. Consequences of inappropriately applied adjustments include muscle strain, ligament sprain and hypermobility (loose joints that create instability of the spine). More serious issues include nerve compression, fracture, stroke or even paralysis.
Some random pops or cracks in your spine do not constitute an adjustment. The pops and cracks are merely gas release from inside the joint that reduces pressure in the joint temporarily. When a chiropractor makes an adjustment the pops and cracks are a bi-product rather than the objective. Many effective chiropractic techniques don’t make any sounds at all.
It may help you to understand that even chiropractors can’t adjust themselves. They must visit their local chiropractor just like you. They know the dangers involved with trying to adjust themselves and understand that only a professional, who has properly diagnosed the health of the spine, should ever be attempting spinal adjustments. After all, the spine encases the most important system in the body: the nervous system!
So take head patients. Leave adjustments to the professionals. Learn how to stretch and strengthen properly and those skills will take you much further on your journey to a healthier, more highly functioning nervous system.
Heather Denniston DC
