What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Spinal adjustments are what differentiates chiropractors from other medical providers. According to the Mayo Clinic, an adjustment is a procedure in which a trained specialist uses their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint.
The goal of an adjustment is to improve spinal and segmental motion as well as improve your body’s ability to function. Segmental motion occurs between the joints of your spine. There are a number of reasons that cause the spinal joints to not move correctly,. The main goal of an adjustment is not to put a bone “back into place” (because that isn’t what happens), the goal is to improve the motion between the joints which can improve functional abilities. I could go off on my soap box about putting bone back into place, but I will save that for another time. :)
Often patients come in and expect that satisfying “crack”, well to be a successful adjustment, that noise does not have to occur. That noise is actually gas leaving the joint as the joint position is changed. By getting that noise, it does not mean that it has improved your function or motion even if it temporarily relieves pain or discomfort.
Spinal adjustments have been shown to reduce facet joint adhesions, reduce pain, increase strength, improve motion, and positively influence the central nervous system.
Being seen by a licensed chiropractic professional will determine if spinal adjustments are beneficial for you.
(https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chiropractic-adjustment/about/pac-20393513)