The Adjustment Goal
The goal of any chiropractic adjustment is to correct the spinal subluxations, spinal bones that have moved out of place, detected during the examination. To do that, the doctor applies pressure to the bone, "unlocking" it from its improper position. The bone is then free to align itself correctly.
Many people think the chiropractor forces a vertebra back into its "proper" place; when in fact, only the individual's own Innate Intelligence knows for sure where the proper place for each bone is. The role of the chiropractor is to free-up the vertebra, allowing the body to do its job and put it back in its correct position.
Unfortunately, the muscles connected to subluxated vertebrae get used to their positions, having a tendency to pull the bone back out of place. Therefore, it may take several adjustments before the treatment "holds" and the bone settles into its proper alignment.
Adjusting Techniques
We, as chiropractors, select the technique which will most effectively correct subluxations using the minimum amount of force. The "art" of adjusting requires skill and training rather than brute strength. That's why our well trained doctors pick and choose the right technique for each individual.
Will it Hurt?
Because most adjusting techniques emphasize using minimal force and gentle pressure, few patients feel any discomfort during the adjustment. Many, however, will hear popping sounds, but there is no need for concern; there's nothing breaking. The noises you hear are simply tiny pockets of gas releasing with a pop, which is completely normal. With or without noises, your adjustment should be completely pain free.