Cracking the Truth: What Actually Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractic care has been used for over a century to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues, from back and neck pain to headaches and joint stiffness. However, despite its proven effectiveness, there are still many myths and misconceptions about what happens during a chiropractic adjustment.
At Spectrum Health Co, we aim to provide clarity and accurate information to our patients, so they can feel confident in their treatment choices. In this blog, we’ll break down what chiropractic adjustments really involve, the science behind them, and why they are both safe and effective for improving joint mobility and pain relief.
🦴 What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a precise, controlled force applied to a joint in the body. The goal is to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore proper function to the affected area. It’s often used to treat musculoskeletal issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even joint stiffness in the limbs.
Despite the popular misconception, chiropractic adjustments don’t involve cracking bones or realigning the spine in the way many people think. Let’s explore what’s really happening during an adjustment.
The adjustment works by improving the mobility of the joint and restoring normal movement patterns. It can help:
Reduce muscle tension
Improve joint range of motion
Decrease inflammation
Promote better nerve function by reducing pressure on nerves
🔍 The Sound You Hear: It's Not Bone Cracking!
One of the most common misconceptions about chiropractic adjustments is that the “cracking” sound is the chiropractor "cracking" your bones. In reality, that sound is caused by the release of gas—specifically nitrogen—from the synovial fluid that surrounds your joints.
When a chiropractor performs an adjustment, they apply a quick, controlled force to a joint. This creates a cavitation (the formation of gas bubbles) within the joint, which produces the characteristic popping or cracking sound. The sound is harmless and is simply the result of pressure changes within the joint—nothing more.
⚖️ Chiropractic Adjustments: Not Just About the Spine
Many people think chiropractic care is solely about adjusting the spine, but chiropractors also treat a wide range of joints throughout the body, including the shoulders, hips, knees, and wrists. Joints in the arms and legs can also become stiff or misaligned, leading to pain and limited function. Chiropractic care works to improve mobility and reduce discomfort in all of these areas.
🛑 Chiropractic Safety: Why It's a Safe Treatment
Chiropractic care is highly safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional. Chiropractors undergo rigorous education and training to understand the biomechanics of the body, joint health, and the effects of various adjustments.
Several studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments are effective for treating musculoskeletal pain, particularly back and neck pain. They can also complement other treatments, such as exercise physiology and soft tissue therapy, to provide a well-rounded, holistic approach to pain relief and injury prevention.
Chiropractic adjustments have a proven safety record, especially when combined with a personalised treatment plan that considers your individual needs, medical history, and lifestyle.
🏃♂️ How We Approach Chiropractic Care at Spectrum Health Co
At Spectrum Health Co, our approach to chiropractic care is evidence-based and holistic. We assess the functionality of your joints and spine, not just your symptoms. Our goal is to restore normal joint mechanics, enhance mobility, and improve overall function.
Our chiropractic care is complemented by:
Soft tissue work to release muscle tension
Exercise physiology to strengthen and stabilize affected areas
Lifestyle advice to prevent re-injury and promote long-term health
We treat the person as a whole, not just a specific injury, and provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
📣 Come in for an Assessment and Treatment Plan
Now that you have a clearer understanding of what actually happens during a chiropractic adjustment, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right treatment for you.
👉 Book an assessment at Spectrum Health Co today!
Our team of skilled chiropractors will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you improve your mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing the things you love.