No. Your bone is NOT out of place. A common misconception.
Photo by @flex.photography_
We often hear people say “my back is out.” Fun fact: if your back was truly “out”, you would probably look like a limp noodle.
A misconception when it comes to chiropractic treatments is that we help put bones back into place, commonly called an adjustment.
An adjustment is a powerful tool that can have amazing effects on the human body, but it does so but impacting the nervous system NOT your actual bones.
Adjustments, referred to as spinal manipulation therapy in research, have biomechanical and physiological changes to the sensory information sent to your central nervous system.
Photo by @flex.photography_
It has been shown that adjustments can
Immediately increase muscle activation and strength of the area adjusted
Increase proprioception (your sense of where your limbs are in space)
Increase range of motion
Improved graphesthesia (sensation)
WOAH! That is a lot of sensory changes from high-velocity, low amplitude adjustment. How does that happen?
Your body is filled with receptors (cells that respond to an external stimulus) called mechanoreceptors that sense and respond to movement, aka movement receptors.
Mechanoreceptors hang out around areas of the body that experience a lot of movement like joints.
Your spine is FULL of joints and therefore also mechanoreceptors.
When spinal manipulation therapy is performed on joints, the mechanoreceptors provide information to the brain, which provides your body to experience all the amazing benefits from this style of treatment.
But if you don’t move bones, what is that noise?
That popping or cracking noise you hear during an adjustment is not your bones moving. It is caused by air pockets or bubbles in the fluid that surrounds your joints.
More research and exploration in this area are encouraged to better understand the mechanisms of spinal manipulation therapy and its therapeutic benefits.
However, we do know there is a neurophysiological response that benefits people when it comes to movement, performance, and overall wellness.
Reference: Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation
Looking For More Information About Chiropractic Topics?
Learn more about our Kelowna Clinic here.
View our main Chiropractor page here.
Learn more about Dr. Col - Move RX’s Chiropractor, Owner & Clinic Director here.