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A chiropractic adjustment, also known as chiropractic manipulation, manual manipulation, or spinal manipulation, is a common therapeutic treatment for lower back pain.18<\/sup><\/p>\n A chiropractic adjustment refers to a chiropractor applying manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally.<\/p>\n The objective of this chiropractic treatment is to reduce the subluxation<\/a>, with the goals of increasing range of motion, reducing nerve irritability and improving function.<\/p>\n A chiropractic adjustment typically involves:<\/p>\n A high velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to a vertebra<\/p>\n<\/li>\n An accompanying, audible release of gas (joint cavitation) that is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure (cavitation)19<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Article continues below<\/p>\n <\/a>It should be known that joint cavitation or cracking does not occur at times, typically as a result of significant muscle splinting or the patient not being adequately relaxed during the chiropractic manipulation. At times like this, it is sometimes best for the chiropractor<\/a> to apply ice, have the patient rest, or do electrical stimulation and massage prior to attempting the chiropractic adjustment.<\/p>\n There are many different manipulative techniques that can be utilized in chiropractic, and there is a certain skill level and “art” involved with high velocity, low amplitude adjustment or manipulation. It is perhaps more important for the chiropractor to determine when not to apply the adjustment.<\/p>\nChiropractic Adjustment Description<\/h2>\n
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Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques<\/h2>\n
Chiropractic Adjustment Side Effects<\/h2>\n