Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe? The Important Facts for Patients

January 1, 2024
A woman is having a consultation meeting with a chiropractor

If you’re dealing with chronic pain in your back, neck, or joints, you’ve likely looked for natural ways to get relief. Chiropractic care is a popular option, but it’s common to wonder: Are chiropractic adjustments safe?


The short answer is yes.


Chiropractic adjustments are considered one of the safest forms of healthcare available, especially for musculoskeletal conditions.


We’ve provided safe and effective chiropractic care to hundreds of people in Santa Rosa Beach, helping them relieve pain and regain mobility without relying on medications or invasive procedures.


Let’s explore the safety of chiropractic care, how it works, and why it’s a trusted option for those seeking natural pain relief.


What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?


A chiropractic adjustment is a therapeutic procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor. During the adjustment, your chiropractor uses their hands or special tools to apply controlled pressure to joints, especially in the spine, to realign them. This realignment helps reduce pain and improve mobility.


Chiropractic care addresses a variety of conditions, including:


  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Joint discomfort
  • Sports injuries


At our clinic, we provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs to ensure safe and effective results.

Dr. Matt Murdock is taking and looking at X-rays for a patient

Why Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?


Chiropractic care is known for its non-invasive approach to healing. Here’s why it’s one of the safest treatment options:


Extensive Training and Certification


Chiropractors, including Dr. Matt Murdock, are highly trained professionals. To become a licensed chiropractor, they must complete extensive education and certification.


Dr. Murdock, for example, holds both chiropractic and nurse practitioner certifications, allowing him to approach patient care from both natural and medical perspectives.


Gentle and Controlled Techniques


Chiropractic adjustments involve controlled, gentle movements. These techniques aim to realign joints without forceful movements. Your chiropractor will perform a thorough screening to ensure that chiropractic care is right for you before starting treatment.


Minimal Risks and Side Effects


Most patients experience minimal side effects, like mild soreness, after an adjustment—similar to how you might feel after a workout.


When you visit a licensed and experienced chiropractor like Dr. Murdock, your safety is a top priority.


“I’ve Tried Other Treatments—Is This Really Safe?”


Many of our patients come to us after trying various medications or invasive procedures that provided little relief or caused unwanted side effects. If you’re hesitant about trying chiropractic care, rest assured that our treatments are designed to provide long-term relief in a safe and natural way.


Why Chiropractic Care is Safer Than Other Options


Chiropractic care is often safer than alternative treatments like medications or surgery. Medications can cause dependency or long-term side effects, while surgeries involve greater risks and extended recovery times.


Chiropractic care, by contrast, focuses on natural healing without these risks.


Real Patients, Real Safety


Patients in Santa Rosa Beach trust Dr. Murdock because of his careful approach to individualized care. Here’s what one of our patients, Amy, had to say:


"Dr. Matt Murdock is a chiropractor and nurse practitioner you can trust. He has treated every member of our active family for injuries over the years—hips, elbow tendonitis, back, plantar fasciitis. He is extremely knowledgeable and caring. We highly recommend Dr. Murdock. You will be glad you went!"


Dr. Murdock’s expertise and dual certification ensure that your health and safety are prioritized in every session.


Inside Murdock Spine and Wellness Office

Who Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care?


Chiropractic care is safe for most adults and even many children, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to manage pain without medications or surgeries.


Patients who typically benefit from chiropractic care include:


  • Adults suffering from chronic back or neck pain
  • Athletes dealing with joint or muscle injuries
  • Seniors looking for relief from arthritis and joint stiffness


Before beginning any treatment, we’ll perform a complete screening to make sure chiropractic care is right for you.


Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Safety

  • Are chiropractic adjustments safe for seniors?

    Yes, chiropractic care is safe for seniors. In fact, many older adults benefit from chiropractic adjustments to relieve joint pain, arthritis, and improve mobility. Dr. Murdock uses gentle techniques to ensure safety and comfort during treatments.



  • Can chiropractic care cause injury?

    Serious injuries from chiropractic care are extremely rare. Chiropractors are trained to perform safe, controlled adjustments. The most common side effect is mild soreness, which usually goes away within 24 hours.



  • Are chiropractic adjustments safe for children?

    Yes, children can safely receive chiropractic care, especially for issues like sports injuries or poor posture. However, treatments are always adjusted to be age-appropriate and less intense than adult care.



  • Can chiropractic care make my condition worse?

    While it’s possible to experience temporary soreness, chiropractic care is unlikely to make a condition worse when performed by a licensed chiropractor. Dr. Murdock will carefully evaluate your condition to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.

  • How can I make sure chiropractic care is safe for me?

    To ensure that chiropractic care is safe for you, work with a licensed chiropractor like Dr. Murdock who is highly trained and experienced. He will conduct a thorough screening of your medical history and current health before recommending treatment.

Ready to Experience Safe, Effective Pain Relief?


We take the safety of our patients seriously. With Dr. Murdock’s extensive experience and personalized approach, you can trust that your chiropractic adjustments will be performed with the utmost care.


If you’re ready to explore a safe and natural way to manage your pain, schedule a consultation today.


Take control of your health and enjoy long-term relief—without the risks associated with medications or surgery.


Call us today or click here to book your appointment.

Dr. Matt Murdock

Dr. Matt Murdock, DC, APRN-CNP

Dr. Matt Murdock is a dual-certified Sports Chiropractor and Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of experience and more than 2,000 hours of specialized orthopedic training.


Frustrated with one-size-fits-all treatments, Dr. Murdock focuses on identifying and targeting the root cause of pain through a personalized, patient-centered approach.


While he always strives for a natural approach and respects your preference for either holistic or traditional medicine, he is able to provide both options to better serve patients in more serious conditions.


Dr. Murdock lives in Seagrove Beach, FL, with his wife, Dr. Debbie Murdock, our acupuncture expert. Their children, Maxson and Carlie, are both nurses, continuing the family tradition in healthcare.


Outside of work, Dr. Murdock enjoys sports, cars, outdoor activities, and spending time with family, including their dogs.

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