What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique in which a chiropractor applies a controlled, high-velocity thrust to a specific joint or vertebra to restore normal movement and alignment. The procedure targets joints that have lost mobility due to injury, poor posture, repetitive strain, or misalignment, a condition chiropractors call a subluxation.

When joints are restricted, the surrounding muscles tighten and nerves can become irritated, leading to pain, stiffness, or reduced function. The adjustment works by releasing this tension and restoring the joint's proper range of motion. Many adjustments produce an audible crack or pop, technically called cavitation, which occurs when the adjustment creates a temporary drop in pressure within the joint space, causing dissolved gases to form bubbles that then collapse.

Chiropractic adjustments differ from massage therapy, which focuses on soft tissue work to relieve muscle tension, and from physiotherapy, which typically emphasizes exercise, stretching, and gradual strengthening over time. An adjustment is a direct, specific manipulation of the joint itself rather than the surrounding muscles or a gradual rehabilitation approach.

Adjustments are the core technique in chiropractic care and are commonly used to address neck and lower back pain, though chiropractors also adjust joints in the shoulders, hips, knees, and other areas. The force, angle, and speed of the thrust are tailored to each patient's condition and comfort level.