Spinal Manipulation

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is one of many treatment methods or tools that a chiropractor may use in their clinic.  The goal of a chiropractic manipulation or adjustment is to release a build up of pressure within the joint and to relieve inflammation and reduce paint levels.  The restoration of joint and nerve function is also a very significant result of such a thrust.

A chiropractic adjustment is a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust.  The joint in question is assessed accordingly and when required, an adjustment is carried out on that specific area.  They are often used to treat back, neck, shoulder and extremities that may be restricted, stiff, painful, weak or experiencing sensation changes. A ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’ noise may be heard when an adjustment is performed.  This can be the noise that people ask themselves: ‘What on earth was that? Is that normal?' 

The answer is that this does not happen with every patient, or every adjustment, but the noise is normal and safe.

When a joint is separated enough there is a large reduction in pressure to atmospheric pressure.  This causes gases to escape from the synovial fluid within the joint forming a momentary vacuum.  The contents in this vacuum are water vapour, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide.  The bubble quickly collapses causing the cracking sound.