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ADJUSTMENTS/ MANIPULATION

The term "adjustment" refers to the specific manipulation chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of the chiropractic treatment is to reduce the subluxation, which results in an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability and improved function.

The adjustment made by the chiropractor consists of a high velocity, short thrust applied to a vertebra, which is often accompanied by an audible and physical release. The audible sound is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure (cavitation). The sensation is usually relieving, though minor discomfort has been reported (that usually lasts for only a short time duration) if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic procedure.

There are times when joint cavitation or a "popping" sound does not occur and this is often due to either significant muscle splinting or the patient may not be adequately relaxed during the procedure. At times like this, it is sometimes best for the the patient to have additional physiotherpy techniques delivered prior to the spinal manipulation, or it might indicate that the patient's condition is more chronic in nature and may require a longer period of treatment for a correction.