Now Accepting New Patients

How Chiropractic Adjustments Work

How Chiropractic Adjustments WorkTrust is an essential component of your relationship with your chiropractic health care provider, and we aim to establish and maintain the trust we create with our clients. When it comes to chiropractic adjustments, you need to feel complete confidence in the training, expertise, and professionalism of the person providing you with a chiropractic adjustment. St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center employs only the best researched methods of chiropractic care and our staff is not only experts in their field, they are kind, thoughtful and go the extra mile to help you understand the treatment you receive. If you have not had a chiropractic adjustment before, you can first schedule an appointment with more information about the procedure.

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment—which is also known as a manual manipulation, a chiropractic manipulation, or a spinal manipulation—is a common therapeutic treatment for back pain caused by spinal misalignment. The term ‘chiropractic adjustment’ refers to the manipulation performed by a chiropractor to the vertebrae that are exhibiting abnormal movement patterns or are not functioning normally.

The principle objective of a chiropractic procedure is to treat the subluxation with the goals of increasing range of motion, reducing nerve pain, and improving overall functioning.

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve the following:

● A short lever arm thrust applied to a vertebra.
● An accompanying, audible release of gas that is caused by the expulsion of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure. The sound made by this process is similar to the cracking of a knuckle. It is known as cavitation or joint cavitation.
● A sensation of relief occurs much of the time, although minor discomfort can occur, especially if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or if the patient tenses up during this chiropractic care. This discomfort tends to last only for a short time for most patients.

You should be aware that joint cavitation, the “knuckle-cracking” cracking phenomenon, does not occur all the time. It is typically the result of significant muscle splinting or the patient not being adequately relaxed during the chiropractic procedure. When this occurs, we can apply ice to the affected area, give the patient time to rest, or apply electrical stimulation and massage prior to attempting the next round of chiropractic adjustment.

Experienced Chiropractor, St. Paul, MN

There are many different chiropractic techniques that can be employed, and what is recommended for you is something you will determine with the help of your chiropractor. At St. Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, we work hard to explain our recommendations to you and explain them in detail. To schedule an appointment for a chiropractic adjustment with us, call us at 763-541-1280.

Want us to look at your specific situation?

This article is general education, not medical advice for your particular condition. If your symptoms include progressive weakness, numbness that is spreading, or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek immediate medical attention.

Keep Reading

More from the Blog

Spinal Decompression Exercises (Lumbar) – No Surgery

July 17, 2026

Spinal Decompression Exercises (Lumbar) – No Surgery

Lumbar or lower back decompression exercises are often recommended by your Chiropractor to relieve lower back pain and related symptoms such as sciatica. Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment that effectively stretches the spine to release pressure on compressed d...

Read Chiropractic Advice
Cervical Decompression Exercises (Neck Pain)

July 3, 2026

Cervical Decompression Exercises (Neck Pain)

4 Cervical Decompression Exercises for Lasting Neck Pain Relief (Without Surgery) While basic home stretches provide temporary relief, our clinical Cervical Dorsal Series utilizes targeted precision to permanently correct neck pain. St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center’s spinal decom...

Read Chiropractic Advice
Comprehensive Relief for Leg and Knee Pain in St. Paul

May 19, 2026

Comprehensive Relief for Leg and Knee Pain in St. Paul

St. Paul Chiropractic Care for Leg and Knee Pain Relief Chiropractic care offers you a non-invasive, drug-free method to relieving leg pain, particularly when caused by underlying spinal misalignments, sciatica, or nerve compression People suffering from back-related leg pain Chiropractic care is...

Read Chiropractic Advice
A patient with Dr. Chris after neck and shoulder pain relief

Testimonials

★★★★★
Hollis M.
“I felt heard, understood, and safe throughout my entire treatment. After trying so many different approaches, I finally found a place that delivered results I didn't think were possible.”

From the Blog

From the St. Paul Chiropractor Blog

Spinal Decompression Exercises (Lumbar) – No Surgery

July 17, 2026

Spinal Decompression Exercises (Lumbar) – No Surgery

Lumbar or lower back decompression exercises are often recommended by your Chiropractor to relieve lower back pain and related symptoms such as sciatica. Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment that effectively stretches the spine to release pressure on compressed d...

Read Chiropractic Advice
Cervical Decompression Exercises (Neck Pain)

July 3, 2026

Cervical Decompression Exercises (Neck Pain)

4 Cervical Decompression Exercises for Lasting Neck Pain Relief (Without Surgery) While basic home stretches provide temporary relief, our clinical Cervical Dorsal Series utilizes targeted precision to permanently correct neck pain. St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center’s spinal decom...

Read Chiropractic Advice
Comprehensive Relief for Leg and Knee Pain in St. Paul

May 19, 2026

Comprehensive Relief for Leg and Knee Pain in St. Paul

St. Paul Chiropractic Care for Leg and Knee Pain Relief Chiropractic care offers you a non-invasive, drug-free method to relieving leg pain, particularly when caused by underlying spinal misalignments, sciatica, or nerve compression People suffering from back-related leg pain Chiropractic care is...

Read Chiropractic Advice

Browse all 364 articles

Start Healing

We’re honored by the trust our patients place in us and grateful for every opportunity to participate in their healing journeys. If you’re seeking comprehensive care that addresses the real reasons your symptoms persist, we’d be privileged to help you discover what’s possible when the right combination of advanced treatments addresses your body’s specific needs.

Request Appointment