Spinal Adjustment in Lynnwood, WA
When your spine isn’t moving the way it should, nerves can become irritated and muscles tighten in response. A spinal adjustment helps restore smooth, healthy motion to joints that have become restricted.
At Alderwood Back and Neck Pain in Lynnwood, WA, Dr. Darcy Szigety, DC provides gentle and precise chiropractic adjustments that focus on the exact areas causing discomfort.
Our techniques are non-invasive, medication-free, and customized to your comfort level. Appointments are calm and efficient, and many patients notice improved mobility and relief within their first few visits.
If you’re looking for a natural approach to treat pain and improved function, spinal adjustments may be the next step in your recovery.
Call (425) 775-6767 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
What Is a Spinal Adjustment?
Short version: a spinal adjustment is a precise movement to help a joint move and function better.
- A licensed chiropractor uses hands or a small instrument to adjust specific spinal joints.
- The goal is to restore motion, reduce irritation, and support normal nerve function.
- You might hear it called spinal manipulation. Same thing.
- It works with, not against, standard medical care.
- Techniques can be manual (hands on) or instrument assisted (Activator / ArthroStim style).
- Special chiropractic tables (often with drop pieces) help keep things comfy and controlled.
The focus: healthy motion for your spine, muscles, and nervous system so your body can work better overall.
Why Do People Need Spinal Adjustments?
People usually come in because something hurts or feels “off.”
- Low back pain: From posture, lifting, sprain/strain, disc irritation, or old injuries.
- Neck pain: From tech neck, stress, sleep position, whiplash, or degenerative changes.
- Headaches and migraines: Often tied to neck tension and joint irritation.
- Sciatica and leg pain: Irritation of the sciatic nerve from disc or hip issues.
- After car accidents or whiplash: Sudden forces overload joints, discs, and soft tissues.
Posture and wellness goals: Some people use adjustments to stay mobile, improve posture, and help prevent flare‑ups.
What Happens During a Spinal Adjustment?
Flow is simple and structured.
- History chat: When did it start, what makes it better or worse, job, hobbies, past injuries.
- Exam
- Orthopedic tests for joints and discs.
- Neuro tests for strength, reflexes, sensation.
- Posture and range-of-motion checks.
- Palpation
- Dr. Darcy checks how joints and muscles move.
- This helps target the exact segments that need work.
- Imaging if needed
- X‑rays to check structure and alignment.
- MRI referral if symptoms are stubborn or red flags show.
- The adjustment
- You are positioned on a chiropractic table (often with drop sections).
- A quick, controlled force is applied to a specific joint.
- You may hear a pop or click. That is gas releasing from the joint.
- Techniques: Diversified (hands on), drop table, or light instrument adjusting.
- Aftercare
- Mild soreness is possible, like after a new workout.
- You may get simple tips: walking, hydration, gentle movement, maybe ice or heat.
Benefits of Spinal Adjustments
Results vary, but common wins show up a lot.
- Pain relief: Many patients feel less back, neck, or headache pain after a series of adjustments, sometimes even after the first few visits.
- Better movement: Easier bending, turning, twisting, and looking over your shoulder.
- Improved posture: Helpful for desk workers, drivers, and “phone‑neck” people.
- Headache reduction: Less neck tension = fewer tension‑type headaches for many people.
- Support after injuries: Used in care plans for whiplash, sprain/strain, and disc injuries, often combined with soft tissue work and laser.
Quality of life: When your spine moves better, daily life usually feels smoother and less draining.
Long‑Term Wellness & Lifestyle Support
Adjustments can be part of long‑term body maintenance, not just crisis care.
- Help keep joints moving instead of slowly stiffening.
- Reduce how often old injuries flare up.
- Support healthier posture for work, driving, and sleep.
- Allow the nervous system to work with less irritation.
- Paired with:
- Ergonomic advice.
- Simple exercises.
- Stress and sleep tips.
Think “tune‑ups for your spine” so you can keep doing your thing longer.
Real Patient Stories
Case 1 – Low back pain and sitting
- Patient had 6/10 dull, achy low back pain.
- Worse with bending forward and long sitting.
- Exam: tight low back muscles, limited flexion/extension, mild posture changes.
- Plan: spinal adjustments, soft tissue work, then rehab exercises.
- Over several weeks, sitting and bending improved.
- Pain dropped and daily tasks felt way easier.
Case 2 – Double whiplash from a rear‑end crash
- Patient was hit from behind and pushed into the car in front.
- Severe neck pain and stiffness, plus headaches.
- Plan: cervical and thoracic adjustments, soft tissue care, class IV laser.
- After a month, some improvement but slower than expected, so MRI ordered.
- MRI showed disc bulges; care expanded with pain management and PT.
- Over a few months, motion and pain levels improved a lot.
Case 3 – Caregiver with nonstop headaches
- Patient had frequent headaches and neck tension from heavy physical work.
- X‑rays showed very straight neck curve and muscle guarding.
- Plan: gentle cervical adjustments plus myofascial release.
- Headaches eased after the first few visits.
- With ongoing care, frequency and intensity dropped.
- They could work and exercise with fewer “headache days.”
Book An Appointment
Please use the booking tool below to book an appointment or by calling us on (425) 775-6767
FAQs - Spinal Adjustment
What is spinal manipulation or a spinal adjustment?
It is a precise movement a chiropractor applies to a joint. The goal is to restore normal motion and alignment so nearby nerves and muscles are less stressed. This can reduce pain and improve function.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Most people say no. You feel pressure and a quick movement. You may hear a pop. Mild soreness after can happen, like a new workout, but sharp pain is not expected.
How many sessions will I need?
Depends on your issue, how long it has been there, and your lifestyle. Some feel changes in a few visits. Disc or whiplash‑type cases often need weeks to months. Dr. Darcy checks progress and adjusts the plan as you go.
Are there risks?
Any hands‑on treatment has some risk, but serious problems are rare with a trained, licensed chiropractor. You are screened with history, exam, and imaging if needed. Techniques and force are tailored to what is safest for you.
Is chiropractic safe for kids and older adults?
Yes, when methods are adjusted to the person. Kids and seniors get lighter pressure. Instrument‑based techniques are often used for a very gentle style.
Will I need X‑rays?
Not everyone does. X‑rays are used if they will change the plan or rule out bigger issues. If things still do not add up, you may be referred for MRI.
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