Chiropractic adjustment involves manipulating bones, ligaments, and muscles, often in the spine, to increase mobility or correct alignment. Subluxations, or misalignments, may cause back pain. Chiropractors use various methods, including applying pressure with hands or tools, to adjust the spine and release stiff joints. Audible popping or cracking sounds may occur due to air bubbles in the fluid surrounding the joint.
Chiropractic adjustment typically occurs when a chiropractor manipulates the bones, ligaments and muscles, particularly those of the spine. Chiropractors use a variety of methods for this adjustment. The purpose of chiropractic adjustment is often to increase spinal mobility or allow the spine to straighten from an incorrect position. There are many reasons people seek chiropractic care, the most common being lower back pain relief.
The vertebral column is made up of overlapping vertebrae that protect and support the spinal cord. These vertebrae are separated by cartilage discs. If a vertebra moves out of proper alignment, chiropractors call it a vertebral subluxation. Many chiropractors believe that subluxations may be the cause of back pain or movement problems.
The chiropractic adjustment process typically involves applying pressure to the vertebrae to move them into the correct spinal position. Many chiropractors state that the adjustment does not actively force the spine into a new position. It is believed to release a joint from a stiff, twisted position so that the bones and ligaments move freely and the newly released joint should then stabilize in the correct position.
There are many different methods for chiropractic adjustment. The most common methods involve a chiropractor applying a quick and precise force to a particular vertebra. The patient can lie on their stomach or side while the chiropractor pushes firmly and quickly, with crossed hands, against the spine.
Another type of chiropractic adjustment is done with the fingers or fingertips. The chiropractor manipulates and separates the vertebrae by applying gentle, targeted pressure. This form of adjustment is often called release work.
A third common form of chiropractic adjustment uses medical tools instead of relying solely on the chiropractor’s hands. The chiropractic chart itself is often used as a tool during adjustments. Some tables have moveable portions, which descend when the chiropractor applies pressure to a joint. This drop is intended to reduce the force of the pressure.
Some chiropractors use activators during adjustments. These are usually small handheld tools that look like little pogo sticks. They typically have a rubber tip that the chiropractor places on the vertebra that needs adjustment. When pressure is applied to the activator, a spring pushes the rubber tip into the joint. This concentrated force releases the stiff joint.
A popping or cracking sound typically accompanies the chiropractic adjustment. These sounds are not created by the bones or ligaments themselves, but are typically produced by air bubbles trapped in the fluid surrounding the stiff joint. These bubbles typically pop during an adjustment, making an audible noise. After treatment, as a joint regains flexibility, there are often fewer air bubbles surrounding the joint.
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