The Difference Between An Adjustment And Spinal Manipulation

If you're looking for relief from back pain, you may be considering chiropractic care from a family chiropractic office. Two of the most common chiropractic treatment techniques used for back pain relief and pain management are spinal adjustments and spinal manipulation. What’s the difference between the two? Read on as our team at Universal Chiropractic in Mississauga explains how chiropractic adjustments and manipulations work to improve back pain and support overall spinal health.

How Chiropractors Help With Back Pain Relief

Chiropractors use a variety of hands-on techniques to restore proper motion and alignment in the joints of the spine. These techniques help relieve lower back pain, herniated disc treatment, sciatica relief, and scoliosis treatment, while also improving range of motion and enhancing wellness through a properly functioning nervous system. Spinal manipulation and chiropractic adjustments are similar but have key differences. Understanding when each is used helps explain how they provide back pain relief and treat conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, scoliosis, and more.

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is a general term referring to any hands-on technique applied to the spine by chiropractors to restore joint mobility. Manipulation aims to target restricted motion and function in spinal joints.

Some different forms of spinal manipulation used by chiropractors include:

•   High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts or adjustments to the spine
•   Mobilization and physical therapy techniques such as flexion-distraction
•   Instrument-assisted manipulation using specialized tools

Manipulation may be combined with other spine health treatments like hot/cold therapy, massage, stretching, and exercises.

Chiropractic Adjustments

The most common type of spinal manipulation performed by chiropractors is the chiropractic adjustment, sometimes called spinal adjustment. This involves using a controlled, sudden force applied to a joint, usually along the spine.

The goal of an adjustment is to restore normal motion, improve function, reduce nerve irritation, and give long-lasting pain relief for conditions like lower back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, and headaches related to the spine. Common methods involve manual HVLA thrusts, instrument-assisted manipulation, and drop-table techniques.

Know the Difference

While spinal manipulation and chiropractic adjustment therapy have some overlap, there are important distinctions:

•   Adjustments always involve a dynamic HVLA thrust to the spine.
•   Manipulation is a broader term that includes adjustments and other manual techniques.

Reach Out to Us For an Appointment

Are you looking for a chiropractor near you? At Universal Chiropractic in Mississauga, our experienced chiropractors tailor your care plan to your specific back pain issues and health goals. We use spinal adjustments together with other proven pain relief and spine health techniques.