A lesson in joint anatomy and physiology

All the joints of the body have many of the same characteristics. They are bound by ligaments and soft tissue, moved by muscles, and separated by cartilage. Most important are the nerves that send information to the brain which monitors and controls the position and motion of each joint.

Usually, joints move freely. Either they move voluntarily due to deliberate muscle control, or involuntarily, without our control. Under unrestricted conditions, the nerves in and around the joints sense motion and relay important information to the spinal cord and brain.

How the body protects itself

If motion is altered or reduced, nerves can relay inaccurate or insufficient information about a joint’s motion or position. When this happens, as is often the case in sudden injury or overuse of the spine, pain occurs. This is called joint dysfunction.

As the pain increases, the nerves create reflexes that cause the muscles in the area surrounding the joint to tighten, or spasm. This “guarding reflex” helps reduce movement in the area.

Properly performed manipulation

Manipulation should be performed with only as little force as is required.  It does not involve sudden twisting of the neck or any other joint.  It is a subtle, gentle and controlled procedure that can be performed on nearly every injured joint in the body in various ways.  Manipulative procedures range from very gentle, non-force mobilizations to more intense adjustments in which audible sounds are heard.  Not all manipulation procedures are appropriate for all patients or conditions.  Proper diagnosis is important to determine what will work best for the individual situation.

Motion blocks pain signals

In order to function properly, joints must move freely. Motion produced by the joints actually serves to “block” continued pain signals.

Why manipulation works

Chiropractic manipulation slightly opens the joint, normalizing its motion-sensitive nerves, blocking pain and reducing muscle spasm.

Frequently asked questions:

How is manipulation performed?

First, the patient is positioned in a way that isolates the involved joint or joints from the others. Then the doctor uses his hands to apply a gentle thrust of the joint. This moves the joint surfaces and may result in a “popping” sound.

Why is thrust necessary?

Imagine a door that only opens halfway because of a stuck hinge. It still can be used, but it is more troublesome than a door that fully opens. The joints in your spine and throughout your body can be thought of in the same way. When a proper thrust is applied to a “stuck” joint, its full motion is restored, and associated muscle tension is decreased.

What is the noise heard with manipulation?

During manipulation, joint surfaces are separated. As this happens, movement of fluid and a release of gas occur within the joint. The “cracking” noise frequently heard during manipulation is similar to gas being released from a carbonated beverage.

Is manipulation safe?

When performed by an expert, manipulation is safe and effective. Dr. Inesta is well trained, experienced and licensed to perform manipulation. He is able to recognize patients who should not receive manipulation, and to minimize the risk of injury to all patients on an individual basis.