The term “chiropractic adjustment” refers to the manipulation of the spine by a chiropractor. Osteopaths and chiropractors also use this term, but there is no scientific evidence to support its use. The most common method of spinal manipulation is manual spinal manipulation, which is also known as a chiropractic adjustment. The patient must be awake and able to tolerate the motion. There are no side effects associated with this treatment. For more information, see the Wikipedia article on chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic adjustments aren’t painful. A cracking sound may occur during the procedure. Most patients feel relief after their first visit to a chiropractor, but about 30 percent will require two or three visits before they achieve the desired relief. Most of the patients experience some level of pain, and a chiropractic adjustment is an effective method to treat pain in the neck, head, and spine. According to the American College of Physicians, chiropractic care is an excellent alternative for back and neck pain, as it is non-drug and doesn’t have addictive potential.
During the chiropractic adjustment, the patient will be asked to bend their knee or lift their leg. The chiropractor will then gently twist the back or neck to remove a blockage that’s caused by inflammation or a bone spur. The patient should wear comfortable clothing and wear close-toed shoes. The chiropractor will gently manipulate the affected area. A chiropractic adjustment may cause popping or cracking, which is normal. This is called joint cavitation. This type of noise is the result of a spinal adjustment.