Can I Give Myself a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Chiropractic Adjustment

A common question asked of chiropractors is, “Can I give myself a chiropractic adjustment?” While many people do try to adjust themselves, you should know they’re more than likely not addressing or correcting the actual problem. Chiropractors don’t even adjust themselves because they understand what is involved in doing the job correctly, as well as what the outcome could be if it gets done incorrectly.

What Is Involved?

When a chiropractor makes an adjustment on your spine, he or she is not just randomly cracking your back. There are 16 directions in which one vertebra can move and become misaligned. A chiropractor takes these things into consideration when determining how to adjust your spine. He or she conducts an assessment on your back and neck to determine which direction to move the vertebra and with tender, careful movements, is able to adjust it correctly.

What Are the Consequences?

When someone tries to adjust themselves, there are some consequences. Upon cracking your back, you won’t actually know which direction your bones are being moved. You won’t know if you got them back into place or if you moved them further out of place. It might feel good at first, but that’s because of the endorphins that are released when you hear that “pop.” You’ll often realize you “need” to crack it again just 20 minutes or so later, and that’s because the issue wasn’t actually resolved.

Can Someone Else Adjust Me?

Now that you understand you can’t adjust yourself, you may begin to wonder if your friends or family members can. Again, your loved ones don’t have the training to determine which way to move your vertebrae. They could cause more serious damage and injuries.

The only person you should ever let adjust your spine is a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Glen Burnie, MD. With proper training, experience, and education, he or she has what it takes to ensure your pain or injuries are taken care of correctly.

Finding a Chiropractor to Help You

Chances are if you’re wondering whether you can adjust yourself, you either don’t know where to turn, or you are worried about the cost of a chiropractor. The good news is that many insurance companies understand more about the benefits of chiropractic care, and can give you some suggestions as to who to go see. If the cost is something you’re concerned about, call a chiropractor and find out what his or her billing is like. It might surprise you to find out relief is only a phone call and a small bill away.

Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into why not to attempt to give yourself chiropractic adjustments.