The sound of cracking bones is the first thing that comes to mind whenever I think of visiting a chiropractor but Andrew Bang, Lead Chiropractor from the Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Center says it is a bit more complex than that.
"If you have every looked on the internet, there is a million chiropractic videos. Some of it is true because you do feel some clicking or popping when you get manipulation or you get adjustments which is the term we like to use in our profession," Bang explained.
"What you don’t see on there is the thorough exam we do the checking of your nervous system to make sure you don’t have any bad nerves or irritated nerves.”
The goal of chiropractic treatment is to alleviate discomfort and allow your body to do some self healing. It can also be used to correct joint paint and help with posture.
"We are all athletes. It just depends on what our sport is. I was joking with you that you were a desk jockey. Your body wants to adopt to the stress that’s put on it. Your hamstrings are tighter than normal. Your back is tighter than normal because you sit so much," Bang said.
His philosophy - motion is lotion. He encourages patients to try and move as much as possible.
"The reason why stretching is so effective is because muscles move your bones. Bones don’t move on their own," Bang explained.
So we immediately got started using some stretches that I admit, did feel uncomfortable at first. Bang said that's normal.
"I tell all of my patients that you might feel some soreness but you’re going to feel a difference because it is not going to be that same pain you’ve been experiencing for the last days."
Wow. After, I felt like a new man! The pain went away. My favorite part of the appointment was the massage. And while it was comforting, I learned it was also necessary to get the muscles to relax.
Bang recommends stretching for several minutes each day, and suggests always doing some stretching after a workout or while you read an email. One simple stretch anyone can do is from your chair. Simply cross one leg over the other and lean forward. You should feel the stretch in your hamstrings.
"If we can relax the hamstrings we can take pressure off your lower back," Bang said.
We’re in this together!
If you're interested in learning more, or signing up for a similar program through the Cleveland Clinic, visit:
call: 216.448.4325 or email: cilm@ccf.org