Treatment
Chiropractic Adjustments from a Chiropractor Near You in Saco, ME
A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on correction to the joints of your spine, used to restore proper alignment. It is a non-surgical, drug-free option for back and neck pain, and it is the treatment most people come to our Saco, ME clinic for.
How an adjustment works
Chiropractic adjustments seek to restore proper alignment by manually adjusting the spine, supporting the body’s own healing. Routine adjustments can also provide relief from herniated or bulging discs while improving overall mobility and flexibility.
If back or neck pain is what brought you here, an adjustment is worth understanding before you decide on surgery or prescription medication. It is also called spinal manipulation: the same treatment under its clinical name.
What we use adjustments for
People come to Active Chiropractic for adjustments with problems including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Arthritis
- Scoliosis
- Whiplash after an accident
- Degenerative conditions of the spine
- Migraines, cluster headaches and tension headaches
- Numbness, tingling and nerve compression symptoms
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
What an adjustment is meant to do
- Avoid surgery and medication. If you would rather take a holistic approach to pain and discomfort in your body, an adjustment is a non-invasive place to start.
- Improve circulation. A properly aligned spine may help blood flow and circulation throughout your body.
- Support nervous system function. Routine adjustments can address nervous system irregularities — useful if you are dealing with numbness, tingling or compression symptoms. Digestive issues directly linked to a nerve problem may also benefit from adjustments targeted to your own case.
- Address headaches. For chronic migraines, persistent cluster headaches or ordinary tension headaches, adjustments can help by realigning the spine and relaxing the surrounding muscles.
What an adjustment visit is like
Nothing is done in our office without your consent, and treatment is interactive — you can raise a concern at any point.
Consultation
You sit down with Dr. Brent Reiche and talk through the problem, your health history and what you want to get back to doing.
Examination
A chiropractic examination testing reflexes and flexibility, along with standard neurological, orthopedic, postural and physical tests.
X-rays if needed
Depending on your condition we may take X-rays, which help shape the treatment plan and flag anything more serious.
Report of findings
Dr. Brent explains what he found, what he recommends, how often you would need to come in, and tells you if your condition needs care from another provider.
The adjustment
A small, focused force applied by hand or with an instrument to move the joint back into position. You may hear a pop; that is trapped gas leaving the joint.
Before you leave
Dr. Brent suggests what to do between visits — ice or heat, positions to avoid, and stretches or exercises to do at home.
See our Saco office
A walk from the front door through the waiting room to the treatment rooms, so you know where you are going on your first visit.
A walk through Active Chiropractic
Filmed at our office in Saco. No sound.
Common questions
Is spinal manipulation the same as an adjustment?
Yes. Spinal manipulation is the clinical name for a chiropractic adjustment: a small, focused force applied by hand or with an instrument to move a restricted joint back into position. Dr. Brent uses both terms for the same treatment.
Does an adjustment hurt?
An adjustment is a small, focused force applied to one area at a time, by hand or with an instrument. Treatment is interactive, so if anything feels uncomfortable, say so and Dr. Brent will change what he is doing.
What is the popping sound?
Do not be alarmed by a popping or cracking sound during an adjustment. It happens when trapped gases escape from within the joint, and it is harmless.
Is chiropractic adjustment safe?
Before starting, we examine your spine and confirm you are a good candidate — and nothing is done in our office without your consent. If you have a condition that makes adjustment unsuitable, we will tell you and discuss the alternatives.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on the problem and how long you have had it. Some people feel substantial relief almost immediately, while repeated adjustments help the body accept the change in joint position. Dr. Brent gives you a recommendation at your report of findings — see what to expect for how care is usually phased.
What if chiropractic is not the right answer for my problem?
Then we will tell you. After reviewing your health history, your exam and any X-rays, Dr. Brent will let you know if your condition requires care with another provider.
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