Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is concerned with human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider man as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships.

The practice and procedures which may be employed by Doctors of Chiropractic are based on the academic and clinical training received in and through accredited chiropractic colleges and include, but are not limited to, the use of current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Such procedures specifically include the adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly of the spinal column. Included is the treatment of intersegmental aberrations for alleviation of related functional disorders.

Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and, as such, does not include pharmaceuticals or incisive surgery. Due regard shall be given to the fact that state laws, as well as the nation's antitrust laws, may allow Doctors of Chiropractic to utilize ancillary health care procedures commonly referred to as being in the common domain.

American Chiropractic Association 2004

An "adjustment" or what we call a spinal manipulation is a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust or impulse directed at restoring joint play, or motion.  Although the exact mechanism of action is still being debated it is thought to work by: releasing entrapped synovial fold or plica, relaxing hypertonic muscles and disrupting articular or periarticular adhesions.

One may notice an audible release ("popping" or "cracking") during the procedure, but it is not needed.  The main goal of the manipulation is to restore motion to a joint that is no longer functioning as it should be.

Some people are fearful of the manipulation or the noise that it makes, so they often ask if there are other procedures, such as mobilization that may be performed.  The short answer is Yes.  The long answer is although we can use mobilizations (and we do use these in patients that are not candidates for manipulation) they are not as effective as high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulations.  The ultimate advantage that manipulation has compared to mobilization is that it provides a dynamic stretch to the joint capsule thereby stimulating receptors in the joint.  This stimulation can cause an increase (or restoration) of joint movement, which in turn improves joint function, leading to pain relief.

In addition to the mechanical effects of manipulation there are neurophysiological effects that go far beyond the involved joint and its surrounding tissues.

Joint Manipulation should not be simply looked at as restoration of motion in the dysfunctional joint.  Joint Manipulation helps reestablish the functional biomechanics while simultaneously stimulating the nervous system via reflex phenomena.

1. Murphy, DR Conservative Management of Cervical Spine Syndromes. 2000

No.  Our goal is to restore you to your optimal health and function and then give you the tools to keep you there.  With that said, many people elect to continue their chiropractic treatment well after they feel well.  Why? Because they feel that regular chiropractic care makes them feel better.  Athletes often use chiropractic treatments to help them stay injury free and to improve performance. 

The proper term for that popping cracking is an "audible release" or "cavitation."  The significance of the audible release is debatable. Each joint is surrounded by a sac which contains a fluid, called synovial fluid.  This fluid contains dissolved gases. The audible release is caused by the gapping of the joint which increases the volume of the joint there by reducing the pressure in the joint, causing a vacuum.  This causes a release of carbon dioxide from the synovial fluid in the joint forming an "air bubble."  The creation of the this vacuum is what causes this "pop."