Chiropractic care is a hands-on approach focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders within the musculoskeletal system. This manual therapy utilizes controlled joint manipulation to restore mobility and function to restricted areas of the body. The goal of this treatment is to help the body function optimally by addressing structural alignment and its relationship to the nervous system.
The Central Focus: The Spine
The vertebral column, or spine, is the primary area of focus in chiropractic treatment due to its role as the central axis of the body and its protection of the spinal cord. This structure provides balance, allows for movement, and maintains posture. Spinal adjustments involve applying a controlled force to a joint to restore its normal range of motion and reduce nerve irritation.
Chiropractors divide the spine into three major regions, beginning with the cervical spine, or neck, which consists of seven vertebrae. Adjustments here address neck pain, stiffness, and headaches that originate from tension or misalignment. Moving down, the thoracic spine comprises the 12 vertebrae of the mid-back, which connect to the rib cage. Treatment frequently targets posture correction and upper back stiffness or pain associated with prolonged sitting or poor ergonomics.
The final region is the lumbar spine, or lower back, which supports the majority of the body’s weight and is the most common area patients seek treatment for. The five lumbar vertebrae and the fused sacral and coccygeal segments are adjusted to relieve chronic lower back pain and sciatica. Sciatica, characterized by pain radiating down the leg, is often linked to nerve root compression caused by misalignments or disc issues. Restoring proper movement to these segments alleviates pressure on the surrounding nerves and musculature.
Treating Areas Beyond the Spine: Extremities
Chiropractic care extends to the appendicular skeleton, which includes all the joints of the limbs. This broader scope of practice, known as extremity adjusting, targets dysfunction in joints outside of the vertebral column to improve overall biomechanics. These joints are susceptible to misalignment and injury, which can create compensatory issues throughout the body.
Chiropractors routinely treat major joints like the shoulders, addressing issues such as rotator cuff dysfunction and limited range of motion. Treatment also includes the elbow, often for conditions like tennis or golfer’s elbow, and the wrist, where adjustments may help manage symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These adjustments utilize principles similar to spinal manipulation, applying precise force to the joint to restore alignment and function.
The lower body also benefits significantly, with common targets being the hips and knees, which are prone to stress from movement and weight-bearing activities. The ankles and feet are frequently treated for issues like ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Adjusting the small joints in the foot and ankle corrects poor foot mechanics that can contribute to pain extending up into the knees, hips, and lower back.
Addressing Specific Regions: Head, Neck, and Jaw
Specialized chiropractic care focuses on the intricate relationship between the upper neck, the head, and the jaw. The craniocervical junction, specifically the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, is a region of focus because of its direct influence on the nervous system and head position. Misalignment in this area can create a chain reaction of compensation throughout the body.
Upper cervical adjustments address chronic tension headaches and certain types of migraines, which can be triggered by nerve irritation or muscle tension originating at the base of the skull. The precise correction of atlas misalignment can improve neural signaling and reduce stress on surrounding structures. These gentle adjustments are distinct from general cervical manipulation, focusing on minimal force to correct subtle positional shifts.
Chiropractors also treat the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull and is responsible for chewing and speaking. Dysfunction in the TMJ, often called TMD, can cause jaw pain, clicking, and facial pain. Treatment involves assessing and adjusting the jaw joint itself and correcting related upper cervical misalignments that contribute to muscle tension and poor jaw mechanics. Alleviating these structural issues reduces the strain on the trigeminal nerve, providing relief from TMJ-related symptoms.