By the Fitness Chiropractic team · Updated
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment, also called spinal manipulation, is a precise hands-on technique. Your chiropractor applies a quick, controlled push to a joint that isn't moving as well as it should, with the goal of restoring normal motion, easing pain and helping the muscles around the joint relax.
Most adjustments are done on the spine, but chiropractors also adjust the pelvis and extremity joints such as the shoulders, wrists, knees and feet. The force is small and aimed at one specific joint, and you're positioned so the movement stays within a safe range.
Adjustments are rarely the only thing we do. They usually sit alongside soft tissue work, stretching and exercise as part of a wider chiropractic treatment plan.
What does a chiropractic adjustment do?
When a joint is stiff or irritated, the muscles around it tend to tighten and guard. That limits movement and keeps the pain going. An adjustment aims to break the cycle. Patients commonly come to us for adjustments for:
- Neck pain and stiffness, including pain from long hours at a desk
- Back pain, from a sudden strain to long-standing lower back pain
- Tension-type headaches and some migraine headaches linked to the neck
- Injuries from falls, sports and car accidents, such as whiplash
- Joint pain in the shoulders, hips, knees and feet
Benefits of chiropractic adjustments
Studies and clinical experience suggest adjustments may help with:
- Less pain, particularly for neck and lower back problems
- Better range of motion, so turning your head or bending forward feels easier
- Reduced muscle tension around irritated joints
- Easier movement for exercise and rehab, which supports longer-term recovery
Adjustments tend to work best when they're combined with the right exercises and daily habits. They're one useful tool, not a fix for everything, and we'll be straightforward about what they can and can't do for your situation.
New patient special
See if chiropractic adjustment is right for you — $75 exam
What to expect during an adjustment
Your first visit starts with questions about your pain, your health history and your goals, followed by a full orthopedic and neurological exam. If anything in your history or exam calls for imaging or a medical opinion, we'll tell you before treating.
For the adjustment itself, you'll lie on a padded chiropractic table, face down, face up or on your side depending on the joint. Your chiropractor positions you, applies a quick, shallow thrust and then checks how the joint moves. Many people feel looser right away; others notice the change over the next day or two.
If you'd rather avoid a quick thrust, gentler methods are available, including a drop table, a handheld instrument and slow flexion-distraction. You can compare them on our page about chiropractic adjustment techniques.
What does the popping sound mean?
The pop or crack you sometimes hear is called cavitation. When a joint is gently stretched, pressure inside the joint fluid drops and a small gas bubble forms and collapses, which makes the sound. It isn't bones grinding or "going back into place," and an adjustment doesn't need to make a noise to be effective.
Is a chiropractic adjustment safe?
For most people, an adjustment performed by a licensed chiropractor after a proper exam is considered safe. The most common side effects are mild soreness, stiffness or tiredness for a day or two, a bit like the way you feel after a new workout.
Serious complications are rare. The one most often discussed is an injury to an artery in the neck, which is very uncommon. It's one reason we screen carefully before any neck adjustment and ask about symptoms such as a sudden severe headache, dizziness or vision changes.
An adjustment, or certain types of adjustment, may not be right if you have:
- Severe osteoporosis or a recent fracture
- A tumor, infection or inflammatory joint disease affecting the spine
- Signs of spinal cord or nerve compression, such as weakness that's getting worse
- A bleeding disorder, or you take blood thinners
In those cases, we'll use gentler techniques or refer you to the right specialist.
How many adjustments will I need?
That depends on what's causing the problem, how long you've had it and how your body responds. A recent strain may settle in a few visits, while long-standing pain usually needs a longer plan built around exercise. Your chiropractor will give you an estimate after your exam and re-check your progress as you go.
How much does a chiropractic adjustment cost?
New patients pay $75 for a first visit that includes a spinal adjustment, a full orthopedic exam, a full neurological exam, a pain assessment and a spinal analysis. After that, cost depends on your treatment plan and your coverage. We accept most PPO plans and attorney liens, and we offer flexible payment plans. See payment options for details.
