The central premise of chiropractic care is that misalignments of the spine, termed subluxations, can lead to a myriad of health issues. These misalignments can cause nerve interference, which impedes the body’s ability to communicate effectively between the brain and the rest of the body. By correcting these misalignments through spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore proper nerve function and enhance the body’s overall health.

A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is the cornerstone of chiropractic care. During an adjustment, a chiropractor uses their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal is to improve spinal motion and improve your body’s physical function. This treatment is often used to relieve pain in muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. During the treatment, the chiropractor may perform one or more adjustments and you may hear popping or cracking sounds as the adjustments are made, which is simply the release of gas bubbles from the joints. The process is generally painless, and many patients report immediate relief.