Back pain
Stiff joints, tight muscles and repeated strain all play a part in back pain. When the exam points to a mechanical cause, adjustments can help with mechanical low back pain so work and exercise feel easier.
Spinal Adjustment in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
A stiff back or a neck that will not turn makes work, sleep and training harder. A spinal adjustment targets the joint that is not moving well, after an exam finds it.
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- Adjustments by Dr. Jeff McWhorter, D.C.
Overview
Maybe your lower back locks up after a long drive, or your neck aches by the end of a day at the screen.
When one spinal joint stops moving well, the areas around it take on extra work. A targeted adjustment can help that segment move again. It is a core part of the chiropractic care at our Rancho Santa Fe office.
What it is
What is Spinal adjustment?
A spinal adjustment is a controlled movement or gentle pressure applied to a joint of the spine that is not moving as it should. Chiropractors use it to improve how the spine moves. At True Performance, Dr. Jeff McWhorter, D.C., chooses the technique for each area after an exam of posture, mobility and nerve function.
How it works
The exam finds which spinal joints are restricted.
You are positioned for the technique that suits that area.
A quick, controlled thrust or steady pressure moves the joint.
What it helps with
- Low, middle or upper back pain
- Neck stiffness from desk work or old injuries
- Leg pain linked to the low back
- Stiffness after a cleared spinal injury
When it is not the right tool
- A suspected fracture, instability or spinal cord injury
- Back pain with fever, bladder changes or spreading numbness
- Anyone who prefers no hands-on care, since other options exist
The re-check
We re-check how the area moves at each visit. If you are not improving, we change the approach or refer you for another opinion.
Does an adjustment work on the nerves?
No. The spine protects the spinal cord and the nerves that branch from it, but adjustments work on the joints and surrounding tissue. Better joint motion can make turning, bending and lifting easier.
Conditions
Goals Spinal adjustment can support
Spinal pain can follow an injury or build slowly from sitting, lifting or training. Dr. McWhorter, a chiropractor, checks whether an adjustment fits before any care begins.
Explore Back Pain Relief
Neck pain
Screens, desk hours and old injuries leave many necks stiff. We check how your neck moves first, then adapt the technique for a stiff neck from desk work.
Sciatica
When low-back mechanics add to sciatica and leg pain from the low back, adjustments can join a wider plan.
Spinal injuries
Only after serious injury is ruled out, and in coordination with your medical team: care after a fall or collision injures the spine.
A sudden strain
Gentle adjustments can help with a fresh back or neck strain once the exam rules out injury.
A pinched nerve
When a stiff joint presses on a nerve, adjustments can ease that pressure in nerve symptoms from a compressed nerve, in coordination with your medical providers.
Why here
Why Spinal adjustment at True Performance
Only the segments that need it
Dr. McWhorter, a chiropractor, does not adjust the whole spine by routine. He adjusts the specific joints your exam identifies and explains why each one was chosen.
Several techniques to choose from
Hands-on adjustments, steady pressure, flexion-distraction and drop-table methods let him fit the approach to your comfort, history and body.
A nervous-system view
When your symptoms call for it, he also checks balance, coordination and reflexes.
Other options
Compare your options
Exercise, heat, massage and time help many backs, and physical therapy builds strength. Some pain needs imaging or a medical opinion first. National guidance lists spinal manipulation among the reasonable first choices for low back pain, so we offer it when your exam supports it.
Spinal manipulation is among the first-line options in the American College of Physicians low back pain guideline.
Is it for you
Is Spinal adjustment right for you?
A good fit if
- Your pain is linked to movement, posture or activity
- Stiffness limits your work, sleep or training
- Serious causes have been ruled out, or no warning signs are present
We check first if
- You have had spinal surgery, including a fusion
- You have osteoporosis or take blood thinners
- Your pain followed a recent fall, crash or hard hit
If the second list applies, we review your records and check with your physician or surgeon first.
Your visits
What to expect
A 15-minute intro call
A complimentary call about your pain, history and goals.
Your comprehensive exam
About 90 minutes, plus data and history gathering. We check posture, spinal motion, strength, reflexes and any past imaging.
Your first adjustment
You are positioned for the chosen technique. You may hear a pop, though not every method makes one.
Re-check and adjust
We re-test how you move and set the timing of the next visit.
Cost
Cost and insurance
Cost depends on your exam findings and how many visits your plan needs. We explain it before you commit.
What your cost depends on
- How detailed your first exam needs to be
- How many visits your plan needs
- Whether adjustments are paired with exercise or other services
- Whether you choose ongoing care after you improve
Booking policies
- Complimentary 15-minute intro call
- A card on file reserves your appointment
The clinic
Why choose True Performance
Dr. Jeff McWhorter, D.C., is a chiropractor whose practice focuses on functional neurology and performance. Known for a gentle, precise adjusting style, he looks at the joint and at the nerve function connected to that region.
Spinal adjustment is one part of our chiropractic evaluation and care in Rancho Santa Fe. Book an exam to see whether it fits your needs.
Athletes and performance professionals we have worked with
Meet all 12 athletesDeMarcus Walker
NFL Defensive End, Broncos, Texans, Titans, Bears, and Commanders
Christian McCaffrey
NFL running back, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey / DJ Moore
NFL Athletes
Raquel Pennington
UFC World Champion
DeMarcus Walker
NFL Defensive End, Broncos, Texans, Titans, Bears, and Commanders
Juan Archuleta
Bellator Bantamweight World Champion and Rizin Bantamweight Champion
Curtis “Razor” Blaydes / TJ Dillashaw
#4 in the UFC Heavyweight Rankings / Ultimate Fighting Championship and UFC Bantamweight Champion
Corey Zalewski
Colombian National Team Snowboarder
Visit
Where to find Spinal adjustment
Adjustments take place at our Rancho Santa Fe office: 18029 Calle Ambiente, Suite 507, in Cielo Village. We are a short drive from Lake Hodges and easy to reach from Del Mar, Encinitas and the rest of North County.
The first step
Schedule Your Spinal Adjustment Consultation
- 01Start with a complimentary 15-minute intro call
- 02Your exam decides whether an adjustment fits
Does insurance cover spinal adjustments?
We explain cost and payment options on your intro call, before you book an exam. The total depends on how many visits your plan needs.
Is a spinal adjustment safe?
Serious problems are very rare. Mild soreness or stiffness for a day is common. We screen for fractures, instability and other reasons to avoid an adjustment first.
Can I get adjusted after spinal fusion surgery?
Sometimes. It depends on how well the area has recovered, your symptoms and any limits from your surgeon. Dr. Jeff McWhorter, D.C., reviews your surgical history and imaging before recommending anything.
How often should I get adjusted?
It depends on your exam, activity level and response. Some plans start with visits closer together, then space them out as you improve.
Should I crack my own back at home?
No. Forcefully twisting your own spine can aggravate an injury. A gentle stretch is fine, but new, severe or lasting pain should be checked.
Find out whether an adjustment fits your pain
Start with a complimentary 15-minute call with our team.