Chiropractic adjustments, or manipulations as they're sometimes referred to, are the specific and purposeful movements of vertebrae in the spine. The objective of these movements is to realign vertebrae that have moved out of place due to a number of reasons ranging from normal daily activity to trauma such as a car accident.
When these vertebrae are out of place, it can have an overall systemic effect ranging from your muscular system to your central nervous system. Without proper spinal alignment, it is very likely that the flow and function of your spinal nerves will be affected and consequently, so will be every system, organ, and/or tissue innervated by these spinal nerves.
An adjustment usually begins with the chiropractor applying pressure, utilizing his/her hands or an instrument, to the area of restriction or misalignment. While maintaining this controlled pressure, the chiropractor will likely deliver a quick thrust into the area to realign the vertebrae. This movement is really quick and is often without any discomfort. It's common to hear a noise similar to the sound we get when we "crack" our knuckles - which is known as joint cavitation. It is the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint.
Overall, adjustments are an excellent way to keep the joint, specifically, and the body generally functioning at its highest level. When the body is in alignment, the body is also able to respond appropriately to situations and perform as it was designed to.
