What Really Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Have you ever heard that chiropractic adjustments “crack or pop your bones”? If you’ve been nervous, or simply curious about what really happens during a chiropractic adjustment, you’re not alone.
As a chiropractor with 10 years of hands-on experience serving the Temple Terrace and Tampa communities, I’ve heard just about every myth in the book. My goal with this blog is to teach and demystify the process and maybe -just maybe- give you a better understanding of the science and strategy behind each adjustment.
First, what is a chiropractic adjustment?
Let’s start with the basics:
A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a targeted manual therapy technique used to restore motion, improve alignment, and reduce pain. Chiropractors use their hands or specialized instruments to apply a controlled force to a joint.
Contrary to popular belief, the goal is not to simply “crack your back.” It’s about improving function and relieving stress on the nervous system.
What the “Crack” Really Is:
So, what is that popping or cracking sound you hear? It’s not your bones breaking or grinding together at all. It’s actually called a cavitation which is a harmless release of gas (nitrogen and carbon dioxide) from a joint as pressure is released. Think of it like opening a bottle of soda. It’s a sign of joint movement, not damage.
Who Is a Candidate for an Adjustment?
Not everyone walks in and gets adjusted the same way. At Pinnacle Chiropractic Care, we tailor each treatment to the patient's unique condition. We utilize manual adjustments as well as lower force mechanical adjustments depending on the individual. Candidates for chiropractic adjustments include:
People with neck pain, back pain, or headaches
Those recovering from car accidents or sports injuries
Patients with sciatica, radiculopathy, or disc herniations
Office workers with tech neck or poor posture
Athletes with restricted range of motion or joint dysfunction
Elderly individuals with arthritis and joint discomfort
We perform thorough examinations, orthopedic testing, and diagnostic imaging (like X-rays or MRIs if needed) to ensure it’s both safe and effective for you.
What to Expect During Your Visit
1. Consultation & Assessment
Your first visit will begin with a detailed health history and a conversation about your symptoms. I’ll ask questions like:
When did the pain start?
Is it worse in the morning or evening?
Does it travel down your arms or legs?
Have you been in a recent motor vehicle accident?
We then perform a physical examination, testing your posture, range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength.
2. Diagnosis & Explanation
Based on the findings, we’ll explain what’s going on in simple terms. Whether it’s a misaligned vertebra, a herniated disc, or muscle guarding, you’ll understand the root cause—not just the symptoms.
3. The Treatment (Adjustment and Modalities)
The adjustment itself will looks different for each person with the end goal of helping to realign and mobilize sections of the spine to help improve discomfort and regain normal range of motion. In addition to the adjustment we will use a combination of modalities such as E-Stin, Diathermy, Shockwave, Traction to help fix the underlying issues.
What Conditions Do Adjustments Help With?
Chiropractic care is backed by research for a wide variety of conditions, especially musculoskeletal and neurologic issues. Here's a list of what we commonly see and treat:
Low Back Pain
Neck Pain and Stiffness
Herniated or Bulging Discs
Whiplash from Car Accidents
Headaches and Migraines
Sciatica (leg pain from nerve irritation)
Posture Issues and Tech Neck
Nerve Pain and Tingling
Restricted Range of Motion
Real Patient Success Story
Let me introduce you to Tiffany, a 34-year-old teacher from Tampa who was rear-ended at a red light.
She came into my office two days after the accident with neck stiffness, headaches, and shoulder pain. An orthopedic evaluation revealed classic signs of whiplash and muscle guarding. X-rays ruled out fractures, so we initiated a care plan involving:
Cervical and thoracic spinal adjustments
Myofascial release therapy
At-home stretches
Postural coaching
Within 3 weeks, Tiffany’s headaches were gone. By week 6, her range of motion returned to normal and her pain was reduced by over 80%. She now comes in for monthly wellness care and says she feels better now than before the accident.
What Are the Benefits of a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Pain Relief: Especially in the neck, back, and joints
Improved Mobility: Frees up stiff joints and restricted movement
Nerve Function: Reduces pressure on pinched or irritated nerves
Faster Recovery: From auto injuries, sports, or repetitive strain
Better Posture: Especially for desk-bound or tech-heavy lifestyles
Drug-Free Care: No prescriptions, injections, or surgeries
Stress Reduction: Many patients feel deeply relaxed post-adjustment
Chiropractic & Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery
If you've been in a car accident in Tampa or Temple Terrace, chiropractic care is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for:
Whiplash
Back sprains/strains
Disc injuries
Neck stiffness and headaches
We also help patients navigate insurance claims, provide documentation for attorneys, and work with your medical team to ensure a complete recovery plan.
Final Thoughts
Chiropractic care isn’t magic—it’s evidence-based, hands-on healthcare that focuses on helping your body function better from the inside out.
If you’re dealing with pain, tightness, poor posture, or recent injuries, don’t wait. The sooner we evaluate your spine and nervous system, the faster we can help you feel better.
Serving Temple Terrace, Tampa, and Surrounding Areas
Whether you're a CrossFit athlete, office worker, or car accident survivor—we’re here to help. At Pinnacle Chiropractic Care, we pride ourselves on personalized care, advanced techniques, and real results.
