Manipulation, adjustments, or “cracking” all mean basically the same thing and most of us think of chiropractors when we hear these words. In this blog I’ll break down what a manipulation is, why we do it, and how it may fit into a comprehensive treatment plan for back pain, neck pain, hip pain and an overall plan to improve wellness.

What is spinal manipulation?

Adjustments, back cracking and spinal manipulation are all referring to the same thing, and for the sake of this blog we will use the term “manipulation”. The most common place we see manipulation is in the spine. 

Chiropractors are trained to also manipulate ribs, hips, elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles. Depending on the injury a chiropractor may manipulate none, one, or many of these different areas. 

A manipulation is a high-speed but low force impulse into a joint, with the intention of improving motion in a joint. Typically, a manipulation will relieve pain and improve range of motion in an area. The effects are usually temporary and may last from a few hours to a few weeks.

These temporary changes usually feel great, and can be especially helpful when dealing with an acutely painful injury (a bit of relief goes a long way when everything hurts). To create long-term change, we need a comprehensive approach that incorporates more than just manipulation.

These days, manipulation is often used by chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists as part of their treatment approach.

Is it safe?

For most people manipulation is a safe and helpful tool, but there are a handful of situations where it would be wise to use a different technique or avoid manipulation altogether. An experienced practitioner will be helpful for guiding and assessing when manipulation could be a safe and useful option. 

How does manipulation fit into our overall health and wellness?

Manipulation is a highly effective tool for temporary reduction in pain, sensitivity as well as improving joint function. The key thing to remember when it comes to manipulation is that the research tells us to use it in combination with other treatments in order to create long-term change. Just like your family doctor will prescribe medication, advise you to drink lots of fluids, and provide some guidance on activity or sleep when you’re sick, so too will your chiropractor provide complimentary care options (exercise, massage, stretching, acupuncture etc.) to accompany manipulation and get you the best results.

Manipulation is often used to alleviate back pain, neck pain, hip pain and issues caused by posture.

At Highlands Wellness our team uses a collaborative and comprehensive approach to injuries and wellness. We want to use all the tools available to us to ensure our patients see results and get back to the activities they love quickly. 

If you are interested in learning more about manipulation or would like to talk to a practitioner at our clinic about your options please get in touch!