A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, precisely executed, manual force directed to a joint with the objective of restoring normal joint and nerve functions.

The "cracking" sound is caused by the release of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases as they are released from the joint cavity as the adjustment is made. It is NOT the sound of a joint "going back into place".

Joint dysfunction can affect the nerves, muscles, and blood flow associated with the joint itself. It can compensate for its own lack of movement making it work harder and become irritated and painful. Muscles in the affected area fatigue quickly, tighten up, and eventually go into spasm. Blood supply to both the muscles and the joints is also adversely affected. However, the effects of spinal joint dysfunction can be extremely diverse and subtle. Because spinal joints are richly innervated by nerves, and these nerves have direct connections to the spinal cord and the major nerve pathways supplying every tissue and organ in the body, the effect of even a minor joint dysfunction or subluxation may have a considerable impact on one's health.

Instructions from our brain are sent to all parts of the body as electrical impulses. These impulses travel along the spinal cord, which subdivides into individual nerve fibers throughout the body.

The spinal cord is protected by a "tunnel" of small, interlocking bones called the spinal column. The individual bones are called vertebrae. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord through small openings between the vertebrae. When each vertebra is in its proper position, the nerve fiber passes through without a problem. Nerve impulses can flow freely, racing to and from the brain at incredible speeds.

Although the spinal column is a sturdy structure, individual vertebrae can become misplaced. When that happens, it's called a vertebral subluxation. One of the most common causes of vertebral subluxation is automobile accidents. Yet, many everyday activities can result in subluxations as well. Picking up heavy objects, taking part in sports, and even sitting for prolonged periods at a desk can all put stress on the vertebrae.

Every aspect of the body is controlled by the nervous system. The spine has both a direct and an indirect relationship to the nervous system and can influence body functions far removed from the spine itself. Because muscles and bones are intimately linked – muscles being attached to bones – the interrelationship between the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems plays a critical role in the optimal health of every organ and tissue in the body. The interrelationship between these three systems is known as the "neuromusculoskeletal system" or NMS. The Doctor of Chiropractic can have an effect on the NMS by making small "adjustments" to the spine or other articulations of the body to improve joint, muscle, and nerve function.

A spine that is straight up and down or vertical when looking at it from the front or back, and a spine that has even-flowing curvature from the neck area over the ribcage, down into the low back, and over the pelvic area.

When our bodies are running at their god given potential and there is no interference between the brain and the nervous system. This means that the communication process required to run our bodies normally is uninterrupted.

All messages to and from the brain are electrical impulses traveling along a complex system of nerve fibers called the spinal cord, which extends from the base of the skull down the center of the back. It is protected by the spinal column — sometimes called the backbone — which forms a "tunnel" of small interlocking bones called vertebrae. Spaces between the bones allow nerves to branch off to various parts of the body.

This tunnel has to be strong enough to safeguard the nerves from injury, but flexible enough to allow the body to bend and move freely.

For the most part, the spinal column does a great job. But sometimes, one or more bones get out of proper alignment. The spaces between the bones might close up or the bones might rub against and irritate one of the nerves.

A spinal bone which has lost its normal placement or alignment, is said to be "subluxated." The impulses traveling along the nerve past a subluxated bone can become distorted. This is what causes interference with the instructions sent by Innate Intelligence to a part of the body.