What is a chiropractic adjustment?

The treatment that a chiropractor performs is called an adjustment. Adjustments can be performed utilizing many different chiropractic techniques. However performed, all adjustments have a common desired result, the removal of the vertebral subluxation. Most commonly a chiropractor will use his/her hands to give a high velocity, low force thrust on a certain contact point on your vertebrae that will provide a movement of that vertebrae in the opposite direction of which it is found to be misaligned.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Chiropractic adjustments are painless in most cases.  Many patients report a feeling of relief, calmness, and a sense of well being after the adjustment. You also may notice improved mobility especially in the neck. Patients who involuntarily stiffen or resist the adjustment may feel a small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during treatment. Also, mild discomfort may be felt if the patient has had a recent trauma due to inflammatory process.

What is the noise I hear during an adjustment?

During an adjustment, the lubricating fluid-filled capsules that surround the vertebral joints are stretched creating less space inside the capsules. Tiny air bubbles that are present inside these capsules are released into the neighboring tissues making a "popping" or “cracking” noise. These bubbles form as a result of the constant breaking down and building up of muscle tissue in our bodies and are a normal part of our body composition. “Popping or Cracking” is viewed by the chiropractor as a secondary consequence during a properly performed adjustment and does not necessarily dictate whether or not the adjustment was performed correctly.

Are adjustments safe?