Chiropractic Adjustment - Yay or Nay?

Training Injuries
1

I have been posting on here a lot lately because of some nasty elbow tendonitis that will not go away. I have gone a couple times to a chiropractor that practices ART. He has so far just worked on my triceps region which is the part causing problems, any type of pressing is quite painful, especially the eccentric movement with a barbell.

I have always been quite unsure about neck cracking/spinal adjustments. I have heard here and there that many people have wound up worse after getting these things. I think I even saw a billboard once promoting a phone # for people that had gotten into trouble from adjustments gone bad.

This guy says that the tri’s are ultimately associated with a spinal disc, I think he said C7. He is very willing to do an adjustment, but I have been quite leary of it. I know some people really believe in chiropractors and others not so much. Anyone have experience with an adjustment or have any opinions? I really miss being able to bench press without elbow pain, but I don’t want to make myself even worse.

2

I find adjustments best when I don’t have a problem.

When I have a true problem I find the best solution is usually between rest, posture, sleep position, nutrition, and technique.

I have had issues with adjustments, it’s possible it will align your body, but how many people have the perfect body and should your body really be in perfect alignment. I realized after one adjustment that my back muscles were used to whatever way it was before. It took months for me to recover strength.

In short, p.r.i.c.e. your tricep. Lighten the load on the pressing, take more weeks off and get it back to normal. If you want to get an adjustment at that point go for it.

3

i would say go for the adjustment. i’m still a student but one of the students that down in our student clinic has great results from adjustments. the pain is from throwing sports and not lifting but it should still help the same.

4

[quote]paulypaul wrote:
I have been posting on here a lot lately because of some nasty elbow tendonitis that will not go away. I have gone a couple times to a chiropractor that practices ART. He has so far just worked on my triceps region which is the part causing problems, any type of pressing is quite painful, especially the eccentric movement with a barbell.

I have always been quite unsure about neck cracking/spinal adjustments. I have heard here and there that many people have wound up worse after getting these things. I think I even saw a billboard once promoting a phone # for people that had gotten into trouble from adjustments gone bad.

This guy says that the tri’s are ultimately associated with a spinal disc, I think he said C7. He is very willing to do an adjustment, but I have been quite leary of it. I know some people really believe in chiropractors and others not so much. Anyone have experience with an adjustment or have any opinions? I really miss being able to bench press without elbow pain, but I don’t want to make myself even worse.[/quote]

The triceps are innervated by C6, C7, C8.

Now, in case you’re not aware, that “C” stands for cervical spine. That’s seven (C1 to C7) vertebrae that forms your neck.

That’s right: your neck. Think about that.

The only experience I’ve had with chiros is when someone comes to me with some mediocre (or downright out dated) rehab exercises prescribed by their respective chiros; and, doing my utmost to keep a professional demeanor, I have to explain why some (if not all) of the prescribed exercises are not the best use of time and effort.

This is easier said than done because many people who regularly visit chiros see them as saviors. It makes sense in a way. If someone is given relief from agony, albeit temporarily, it’d be easy to view them in a positive light. This perception can then spread through everything else the chiro tells them. I believe the term is called the halo effect.

And this mini diatribe is relevant. In your other posts, the common denominator I noticed is that you seek these band-aid solutions. I strongly suspect that you need to address the fundamental reasons why you’re having difficulties.

If you do not address your exercise selection, technique, volume, load, etc. you will always find yourself back in square one.

5

[quote]paulypaul wrote:
I have been posting on here a lot lately because of some nasty elbow tendonitis that will not go away. I have gone a couple times to a chiropractor that practices ART. He has so far just worked on my triceps region which is the part causing problems, any type of pressing is quite painful, especially the eccentric movement with a barbell.

I have always been quite unsure about neck cracking/spinal adjustments. I have heard here and there that many people have wound up worse after getting these things. I think I even saw a billboard once promoting a phone # for people that had gotten into trouble from adjustments gone bad.

This guy says that the tri’s are ultimately associated with a spinal disc, I think he said C7. He is very willing to do an adjustment, but I have been quite leary of it. I know some people really believe in chiropractors and others not so much. Anyone have experience with an adjustment or have any opinions? I really miss being able to bench press without elbow pain, but I don’t want to make myself even worse.[/quote]

Tendinopathies are annoying buggers. If there is stiffness through your lower neck then adjustments/mobilisations may be of benefit however to say that tris are ultimately associated with a spinal disc - indicating that this is the direct cause of your problem is a misrepresentation.
If you have problems with your tricep them you probably will have altered your biomechanics somewhat so I wouldn’t be surprised if you have tightness in your neck.
Also it is likely you have problems in your neck anyways, but this doesn’t mean the neck caused the tricep.

Maybe you just screwed yourself up with too many skull crushers??

Yeah mobilisations/manipulations may be of benefit, however I wouldn’t just routinely have my neck manipulated if it’s not required or significant benefits weren’t noticed after the first time.