Geelong Chiropractor- Safety of adjustments

Safety of adjustments

If you’re considering chiropractic care in Geelong, you might be wondering: “What is the safety of Adjustments?” or “Do they really work?” These are valid questions—and the good news is, research and experience both point to a clear answer: yes.

As chiropractors, our number one priority is your health and safety. Let’s take a deeper look.

And we are talking about professional chiropractors who take their jobs seriously, not like some of the wild things I get sent from TikTok or Instagram daily.

✅ What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, specific movement of the spine or joints aimed at improving motion, reducing pain, and restoring function. Most people experience it as a controlled and precise technique that often brings immediate relief.

Contrary to popular myths, it’s not about “cracking bones”—it’s about improving nervous system function and mobility in a safe, natural way.

Sometimes an adjustment can also be called a mobilisation, manipulation or correction. These terms are somewhat interchangeable within Chiropractic vernacular.

🛡️ Safety of adjustments?

Yes, chiropractic adjustments are widely regarded as safe when performed by a registered and trained chiropractor. In Australia, chiropractors must complete a minimum of five years of university study, maintain national registration, and follow strict clinical guidelines to ensure your safety.

Some key safety facts:

• The risk of serious complications is extremely low.

• Adjustments are non-invasive and drug-free.

• Chiropractors are trained to assess whether you’re a suitable candidate before any treatment begins.

But, if you’re into science and literature, then let’s take a deeper dive into three journal publications that look at the safety of adjustments :

A 2023 retrospective study from Hong Kong analysed 960,140 Spinal manipulation therapy (Adjustments) sessions across 54,846 patients. It identified 39 adverse events, but just 2 were graded “severe” (rib fractures in older women with osteoporosis). No cases reached grades 4 or 5 (life-threatening or death), and no strokes or spinal cord injuries were found, yielding a severe‑event rate of 0.21 per 100,000 Spinal manipulative therapy sessions (adjustments or manipulation) < Very safe indeed. Article link here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36690712/

or

A 2017 overview of systematic reviews systematically vetted adverse-event evidence for SMT across all regions and techniques and concluded that serious adverse events are very rare, whereas milder side effects (e.g. soreness, stiffness, headache) are relatively common but transient. The overall consensus across multiple reviews is that the risk of serious harm is very low and doesn’t uniformly outweigh benefits when Spinal Manipulative therapy is applied appropriately. Article link here: https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-017-0458-y?utm_source=chatgpt.com

or

For low‑back spinal manipulation, a 2015 systematic review of serious adverse events found no well‑documented cases attributable causally to SMT (e.g. cauda equina syndrome, spinal cord injury). Most reports were anecdotal or confounded, placing the incidence likely at <1 in millions of manipulations/adjustments.  Article link here: https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(13)00068-7/abstract

🎯 Are They Effective?

Chiropractic care is particularly effective but not limited to, conditions like:

• Lower back pain

• Neck pain < (read more about neck pain from our previous blog post here)

• Headaches (including migraines and tension headaches)

• Postural problems

• Joint stiffness(We can provide further references if you would like to read more, contact us here. )

Studies have shown that spinal adjustments can lead to improved function, reduced pain, and greater overall well-being. Many of our Geelong patients report:

• Better sleep

• Increased energy

• Improved flexibility

• Relief from long-standing issues

For some, the results are immediate. For others, it’s part of a journey back to full health.

🙋‍♀️ What Should You Expect?

At our clinic, every adjustment is:

• Tailored to your age, condition, and comfort level

• Carried out after a thorough assessment and explanation

• Part of a holistic approach that may include advice on posture, stretching, stress, and lifestyle. We also use a range of treatment approaches such as manipulation/mobilisation, active release therapy, massage, active and passive stretching, and we always give or email patients a tailored exercise program as part of home care.

We treat everyone from athletes to office workers to grandparents—and we take pride in providing care that is as gentle as it is effective.

Final Word: Safety of adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, proven, and natural way to help your body feel and function its best. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or just want to stay on top of your health, our team of chiropractors in Geelong is here to help.

We also believe in lifelong learning with our practitioners undertaking further qualifications in sports chiropractic and a diploma in the International Academy of Neuro-musculoskeletal medicine.

Have questions regarding the Safety of adjustments? We’re happy to chat—no pressure, no obligation. Your health journey starts with feeling informed and confident.

Ready to Move Better & Feel Better?

If you or a loved one are looking for a natural way to stay mobile, reduce pain, and age with confidence, chiropractic care could be the answer.

We hope you have enjoyed reading and learning about the safety of adjustments.

Click here to make an appointment 

Or you can reach out to us via our contact page here. 

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Your’s in good health

Dr Matthew Gooch (Chiropractor)