Chiropractic care’s central concept is that health and wellness are intertwined with the proper alignment of the spine. Spinal adjustments encompass the specific methods applied to vertebrae or joints to address their abnormal movement, position or function.
Spinal correction – also known as spinal adjustment or spinal manipulation – is one of the most popular chiropractic services. Using their hands or an instrument, a trained chiropractor applies controlled and sudden force to a joint to correct its positioning. Spinal adjustments can be done as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as spinal decompression therapy or cold laser therapy.
During spinal correction, patients are typically seated or placed flat on the back, though in some cases a face-down position is required. Patients may hear a crack or pop during the process but these are normal, when air pockets or bubbles are released around the joints.
The manipulation process is quick and painless, though some may experience mild discomfort. When the body is accustomed to postural misalignment, it may require time to process the corrective changes done to coax the joints back into their proper positions. Many patients experience immediate relief, but multiple sessions are required before maximum recovery is attained.