What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?
A chiropractic adjustment is a safe, hands-on treatment designed to improve joint movement, reduce pain, and help the body function more smoothly. Adjustments focus on restoring normal motion to joints—most commonly in the spine—that may have become stiff, irritated, or misaligned due to injury, posture, stress, or everyday wear and tear.
When joints don’t move the way they should, surrounding muscles and nerves can become irritated. This may lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, or limited range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments are intended to gently correct these restrictions and support your body’s natural ability to heal and move comfortably.
What Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Before any adjustment, your chiropractor evaluates your posture, movement, and areas of discomfort. This may include gentle testing of joint motion and muscle tension. The adjustment itself is tailored to your body, condition, and comfort level.
During the adjustment:
- You’ll be placed in a specific position to target the joint involved
- A controlled, precise force is applied using hands or a specialized instrument
- The movement is quick and focused—not forceful or aggressive
Most adjustments take only a few seconds. Many patients describe the sensation as a feeling of pressure followed by relief or improved movement.
Why Do Joints Sometimes “Pop” or “Crack”?
The popping or cracking sound some people hear during an adjustment is completely normal and harmless. It is not bones rubbing or breaking.
That sound comes from a process called joint cavitation. Inside each joint is fluid that contains dissolved gases, similar to carbonation in a soda. When a joint is gently and quickly moved, pressure changes cause tiny gas bubbles to release—creating the popping sound.
Important things to know:
- The sound is not required for an adjustment to be effective
- Some adjustments make noise, others do not
- No sound does not mean the adjustment didn’t work
Many people feel immediate relief or increased range of motion after this release.
Is a Chiropractic Adjustment Safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are widely recognized as a safe and effective form of care when performed by a licensed professional. Techniques are chosen carefully based on your health history, age, comfort level, and specific condition.
Adjustments can be modified to be:
- Very gentle
- Low-force
- Instrument-assisted
If you’re nervous or unsure, your chiropractor will walk you through everything before starting.
How Will I Feel After an Adjustment?
Reactions vary from person to person. Many patients feel:
- Looser and more mobile
- Less pressure or tension
- Improved comfort when moving
Some people experience mild soreness afterward—similar to what you might feel after exercise—which usually resolves within 24 hours.
Depending on your needs, your chiropractor may also recommend stretching, exercises, or supportive therapies to help maintain results between visits.
Supporting Long-Term Health
Chiropractic adjustments don’t just address pain—they help improve how your body moves and functions overall. Regular care may help:
- Reduce recurring discomfort
- Improve posture and flexibility
- Support better sleep and daily comfort
- Prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems
Our goal is to help you move better, feel better, and stay active with a care plan that fits your lifestyle.