Tag Archives: chiropractic adjustment

Chiropractic Adjustments vs. Massage: Why They’re Not the Same

After a long week of working hunched over a desk, Jim scheduled a massage. The tension melted from his shoulders. But a week later, the pain returned. That’s when his chiropractor explained that something he hadn’t considered, what he felt in his muscles was only part of the picture.

Chiropractic Adjustments vs. Massage

Muscles vs. Nervous System

Massage therapy focuses on muscles, circulation, and soft tissue. It’s excellent for relaxation, easing tightness, and promoting better blood flow. Most people feel lighter and more limber after a good massage. But it doesn’t correct spinal misalignments, nor does it address how the spine communicates with the nervous system.

A chiropractic adjustment aims deeper. It restores motion and position to the joints of the spine, especially where there’s been a loss of function or pressure on nerves. When those misalignments are corrected, it affects how the brain and body talk to each other. That’s not just about pain, it’s about balance, coordination, digestion, sleep, and more.

One patient described it this way: “After a massage, I feel relaxed. After an adjustment, I feel like I’m plugged back in.”

Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Change

Massage therapy often brings temporary comfort. But if joints are stuck or the spine isn’t moving properly, the muscles can’t fully relax, no matter how often they’re massaged. They’ll tighten back up to protect the area. It’s a loop: tension returns, the cycle repeats.

An adjustment breaks that loop. When the joint moves the way it’s supposed to, the muscles can finally stop compensating. That’s when real change happens. People often notice their posture improves, their body feels more “in sync,” and they can go longer between visits.

Massage is excellent for soothing. Adjustments are better for correcting. That’s why they work so well together, but they’re not interchangeable.

According to a 2010 study published in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, spinal adjustments have measurable effects on nervous system function, particularly in how the brain processes movement and body [1].

The Right Tool for the Job

It’s not a matter of which is better. It’s about what your body needs. If you’re stiff from stress or sore from overuse, massage can be a welcome reset. But if your spine is misaligned and your nervous system isn’t firing right, that’s a job for the chiropractor.

The best results often come when both are used strategically-but it starts by understanding that they do very different things.

Looking for a new chiropractor?

Schedule an appointment with Lanjo Chiro Today!

517.627.4547

  1. Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2010). The effects of spinal manipulation on sensory processing, motor output, functional performance, and sensorimotor integration in the central nervous system: A narrative literature review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(5), 336-343.

Sciatica and Lower Back Pain Relief: A Hands-On Approach

When Pain Takes Over Daily Life

It started with a twinge-just a nagging ache after sitting too long. Then came the shooting pain down the leg, the numb toes, the sleepless nights trying to find a position that didn’t feel like a jolt of electricity. This is how sciatica creeps in for many people, often paired with relentless lower back pain that disrupts even the most basic daily routines.

This type of discomfort is one of the top reasons people walk into a chiropractor’s office. It’s not just a sore back-it’s pain that radiates, tightens, and limits movement. Sometimes it begins after lifting something heavy or twisting the wrong way. At other times, it develops slowly, often associated with poor posture or prolonged periods spent sitting at a desk. Either way, the nerves are irritated, and the body doesn’t let you forget it.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Help

Chiropractic care addresses this issue by focusing on the structure of the spine. When the vertebrae are misaligned or joints aren’t moving the way they should, nearby nerves, like the sciatic nerve, can get pinched or inflamed. Through specific spinal adjustments, chiropractors help restore natural alignment and mobility, which can alleviate pressure on the nerves and ease pain.

For many patients, this means more than just relief; it means getting back to walking the dog, gardening, working, or simply being able to tie their shoes without wincing. In some cases, people notice changes after the first visit, while others experience steady improvement over several sessions. What matters most is that the body is given the opportunity to heal without drugs or invasive procedures.

One patient, a 42-year-old graphic designer, had tried everything from heat packs to over-the-counter pills. Nothing worked until he visited a chiropractor who specialized in gentle adjustments and guided him through simple stretches. “I thought I’d have to live with this forever,” he said. “I was shocked how quickly things started to turn around.”

Chiropractors may also recommend exercises, posture tips, or ergonomic adjustments for use at home or in the workplace. These small shifts can make a big difference in preventing future flare-ups. The goal isn’t just to ease the current pain but to help the body stay strong and aligned moving forward.

It’s worth noting that clinical studies support this hands-on care. A review in the European Spine Journal found that spinal manipulation was more effective than exercise alone or medical care for sciatica relief and improving function [1].

No one should have to tough it out or mask the pain with temporary fixes. With the right chiropractic care, lasting relief is possible-and life doesn’t have to be lived from the sidelines.

  1. Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. Eur Spine J. 2006;15(9):1340-1348.

Chiropractic and Chronic Pain: A Natural Solution Without Drugs

Chronic pain can wear a person down, draining energy and making daily life difficult. Many people turn to medications for relief, only to find themselves relying on them long-term without addressing the real issue. Chiropractic offers another way that works with the body rather than against it.

chronic pain

The spine isn’t just a stack of bones; it protects the nervous system, the body’s communication network. When the spine is misaligned, nerves can become irritated, leading to pain that may not go away on its own. This isn’t limited to backaches, headaches, joint pain, and even arm or leg discomfort may all stem from spinal issues. Restoring proper alignment allows the body to function as it was designed, relieving pain naturally.

A Different Approach to Healing

Many who come to a chiropractor have tried everything else. Take, for example, a man in his 40s who had lived with lower back pain for years. He had tried stretching, heat, and over-the-counter medications. Nothing made a lasting difference. After a few visits to the chiropractor, he noticed something unusual-his pain wasn’t coming back. His body had found its way back to normal function without artificial interference.

The body wants to heal, and removing interference gives it the chance to do so. Chiropractic does not force anything; it simply restores what was already there. This approach has helped countless people find relief without relying on outside substances. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that those who received chiropractic adjustments for chronic lower back pain had better long-term outcomes than those who used medication alone. (1)

Restoring Natural Function

The best part? This is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every person’s spine tells a different story, and a skilled chiropractor listens to it. Some notice an immediate difference, while others improve gradually. Either way, the goal remains the same: helping the body work as it should.

Chronic pain is not something to accept as a way of life. The body is capable of far more than most people realize. Chiropractic provides a way to unlock that potential naturally, safely, and effectively.

Ready to give Chiropractic a Try?

Make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

 

  1. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2013

Why Chiropractic Works: The Science Behind Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractic began with a simple yet profound discovery by D.D. Palmer in 1895. He found that restoring movement to a misaligned vertebra in a deaf man’s spine improved his hearing. This observation led him to develop the understanding that the nervous system controls every function of the body and that interference along the spine can affect overall well-being (1).

spinal adjustments

The spine is more than a stack of bones; it protects the spinal cord, which acts as the body’s electrical wiring. When a vertebra shifts out of place, even slightly, it can cause nerve irritation. These interferences, which Palmer called subluxations, can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body. By addressing these shifts, chiropractors aim to help the body work as it was designed.

The Nervous System’s Role in Health

Every function in the body, from digestion to breathing, depends on the nervous system. The brain sends signals down the spinal cord and through nerves to coordinate movement, immune responses, and emotions. If these signals are blocked or distorted by spinal misalignments, problems can arise.

Many people think of the spine as posture or back discomfort, but its influence extends far beyond that. A misaligned vertebra may affect nerves connected to digestion, breathing, or muscle function. Since the nervous system oversees many processes, interference in one area can lead to effects elsewhere in the body.

The Body’s Ability to Self-Heal

D.D. Palmer described chiropractic as working with the body’s natural ability to heal rather than forcing change through external means. Health comes from within, and when the body is free from interference, it maintains itself as it was designed to (1).

This idea is simple but powerful: the body is built to heal itself. A cut on the skin closes on its own. A broken bone mends without outside intervention provided the body has what it needs. Chiropractic does not heal-it removes obstacles that prevent the body from working correctly.

Changes That Happen After Spinal Adjustments

People often notice improvements in energy, mobility, and comfort after receiving chiropractic care. Some experience better digestion, clearer thinking, improved sleep, and even enhanced immune function. These changes aren’t coincidences. When nerve interference is reduced, the body operates more efficiently.

One common example is the way chiropractic helps infants and children. Many parents bring their newborns to a chiropractor because of colic, feeding difficulties, or trouble sleeping. Birth can be physically demanding, and small misalignments in the spine may contribute to discomfort. By gently adjusting the spine, chiropractors help restore normal nerve function, leading to improvements in well-being.

Athletes also rely on chiropractic to improve performance. When the spine moves properly, muscles coordinate better, reaction times improve, and endurance increases. Many top athletes see chiropractic as essential, not just for recovery but for achieving peak performance.

Chiropractic Respects the Body’s Natural Design

Unlike approaches that attempt to mask symptoms, chiropractic works with the body’s structure and function. Instead of forcing change, it restores normal movement and alignment, allowing the body to express health naturally.

D.D. Palmer understood that the body is self-regulating. A properly aligned spine reduces stress on the nervous system, allowing the body to function at its highest level. Many people experience noticeable improvements, not because something was “fixed,” but because interference was removed, letting the bodywork as it was meant to.

Palmer’s discovery over a century ago was just the beginning of a deeper understanding of how the nervous system controls health. The body’s wisdom is already present. Chiropractic removes the obstacles that get in its way.

Want to give Chiropractic a Try?

Make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

1.Palmer, D.D. (1910). The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic. Portland Printing House.

Do people sometimes feel worse after a chiropractic adjustment?

This is a common question we get asked in our office.

ANSWER: As deep stress is released people may experience “retracing.”

retracing

Retracing is a beneficial healing phenomenon that is seen when there is deep stress release.  It may make patients think they are getting worse – they are, in fact getting better. Chiropractic care wakes up your inner healer and that often results in relaxation, a decrease in pain, comfort, balance, and more energy. Retracing may cause the patient to think they are getting worse when the opposite is happening.

For example, old injuries that haven’t healed completely may “reawaken” for more complete healing.  

As your body rebalances it begins to use muscles differently and you might temporarily feel “charley horse” or muscle soreness.

Some people may experience diarrhea or even a dormant cold may come to the surface. This is usually a cleansing (detoxification) of the body which is a good (though temporarily uncomfortable) reaction. An extra glass or two of water, a bath with Epsom salts, or a sauna may help flush the toxins. 

Memories and feelings associated with an injury may come to the surface. 

Dreams may be unusual, intense, or revealing aftercare. 

The Most Important Benefits

The true benefits of the adjustment are usually found below the level of consciousness. It is when the nerve communication to the heart, lungs, joints, sexual organs, skin, eyes, ears, and the brain itself are improved that the true benefits of chiropractic are experienced.

Call us to make an appointment today!

(517) 627-4547