What Exactly Are Spinal Adjustments?

Ever wonder what’s really happening during a chiropractic adjustment? Maybe you’ve heard that satisfying pop and thought, "Did my spine just reboot?" Well, let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense—no complicated medical jargon, just the good stuff you need to know.

What Exactly Is a Spinal Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a precise movement applied to a joint—most commonly in the spine, but can be to any joint—to improve motion, relieve pain, and help your body function better. Think of it as fine-tuning your body, like an alignment for your car, except instead of wheels, we’re working with your spine and nervous system.

Most adjustments are done by hand, but sometimes I’ll use a small instrument to get the job done. Either way, the goal is the same: restore proper movement and decrease any nerve irritation that might be making your body unhappy.

Why Do Spinal Joints Get Stuck in the First Place?

Great question! Joints can become restricted or misaligned for all sorts of reasons, like:

• Posture habits – Sitting all day, looking down at your phone, or even sleeping in a weird position can cause misalignment over time.

• Repetitive motions – Lifting, twisting, bending, or even small, every day habits can slowly throw things off balance.

• Injuries and accidents – A sudden impact, like a fall or a car accident, can shift things out of place.

• Stress and muscle tension – When your muscles tighten up, they can pull joints into less-than-ideal positions.

When your spine isn’t moving well, you’ll likely feel stiff, sore, or even experience nerve-related issues like tingling or headaches. That’s where chiropractic care steps in.

What Happens During an Adjustment?

1. Finding the Problem – I assess how your joints are moving (or not moving) using hands-on examination and other techniques.

2. Making the Adjustment – Using a quick, controlled movement, I apply a gentle force to the restricted joint to help restore its motion.

3. That “Pop” Sound – If you hear a pop, don’t worry—that’s just gas bubbles being released from the joint, kind of like opening a can of soda.

Some people feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement as their body adapts. Either way, the goal is to get you moving and feeling better.

Benefits of Regular Adjustments

Chiropractic care isn’t just about fixing pain—it’s about keeping your body in top shape. Here’s what spinal adjustments can do for you:

✅ Relieve pain – Helps with back pain, neck pain, and even headaches.

✅ Improve mobility – Frees up stiff joints so you can move with ease.

✅ Enhance posture – Counteracts the effects of sitting all day or looking at screens.

✅ Reduce muscle tension – Helps your muscles relax and work more efficiently.

✅ Boost overall wellness – Your spine houses your nervous system, which controls pretty much everything—so keeping it healthy benefits your whole body.

The Key to Long-Term Results: Maintenance Care

Here’s the deal—chiropractic care isn’t just for those “ouch” moments. Once we get things back on track, the goal is to keep them there. I always say, first we catch up to the problem, then we keep up with it.Think of it like brushing your teeth—you don’t wait for cavities to start taking care of them, right? The same goes for your spine. Regular check-ups can prevent bigger problems down the road, keeping you moving well and feeling great.

Ready to Feel Better?

If you’re ready to get out of pain, move better, and take charge of your health, let’s get you scheduled! Whether it’s your first adjustment or your hundredth, I’m here to help. Book a free consultation today!