An “adjustment” is the minor movement of a joint in the spine, foot, shoulder, or any other area of the body. The objective of this movement is to restore proper motion or realign bones that have moved out of place for a number of reasons ranging from normal daily activity to trauma such as a car accident or sports injury.
When these bones are out of place or not moving properly, it has an overall systemic effect on the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. Without proper alignment, movement, and flow of all nerves and systems in the body, we cannot function at our peak.
An adjustment is often a quick and deliberate movement from the chiropractor utilizing the hands or an instrument to move a joint. It is often without discomfort. You may hear a noise that sounds like the cracking of knuckles referred to as joint cavitation. It is in reality the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint.