Chiropractic FAQ

How is chiropractic manipulation performed?
Chiropractic manipulation is a manual procedure which utilises refined methods developed through four intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor uses their hands to manipulate the spine in order to restore and enhance spinal functionality. Manipulation is a highly skilled procedure which seldom causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

Is chiropractic manipulation safe?
Chiropractic treatment is a drug-free, non-invasive solution to common skeletal conditions such as neck and back pain, which is a form of very low risk therapy. Complications may arise only in very rare occasions.

Spine Manipulation

Can chiropractic treatment prevent back pain?
Clinical experience suggests that some individuals with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis or recurrent neck pain, back pain or headaches experience less frequent symptoms when undergoing chiropractic care on a regular basis. This also applies to individuals in highly stressful situations and those who experience repetitive physical and postural strain from their daily routines.

What is that "cracking" sound when I get adjusted?
The audible popping sound is not your bones cracking or breaking. It is actually little nitrogen bubbles that build up in the joint. When a chiropractor moves a bone, it pops those little nitrogen bubbles and releases pressure from the joint. Picture a pop bottle...what happens when it you shake it up? Bubbles form and pressure builds up. Now open the cap and what happens? A chiropractic adjustment is like taking the cap off of a bottle of pop after it is shaken up.

Manipulation of the Spine
What is the cracking sound when I get adjusted?
The cracking sound is not the bones breaking, it is actually small nitrogen bubbles that build up in the joint. When a chiropractor manipulates a bone, it pops those small nitrogen capsules and pressure is released from the joint. A chiropractic adjustment is like taking the top off of a bottle of carbonated drink after it is shaken.
Can I get arthritis through adjustments?
Many people believe that "cracking" the hand knuckles causes arthritis. This is just a myth. This is, in fact, the way joints get nutrition, through a process called imbibition. Healthy joints are joints that move easily. If you are alive, rigor mortis will not set in! If a chiropractor finds joints that are not moving correctly, these cracking sounds are part of the process to get them moving again via manipulation. If the knuckles are excessively popped, this may cause some inflammation and ligament imbalance. "Too much" can be as bad as "not enough".