A spinal adjustment, also called spinal manipulation, is a highly skilled technique where a chiropractor applies a controlled force to a specific joint in your spine. The goal is to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and reduce nerve irritation that may be causing pain or dysfunction. Your spine does more than support your body—it protects your nervous system. When the spine is misaligned, it can create pressure or irritation on the surrounding nerves. By gently correcting these misalignments, chiropractic adjustments help the nervous system function more freely—allowing the body to heal and perform at its best. Most people feel a sense of relief or release during an adjustment—often accompanied by a popping or cracking sound. That sound is just gas being released from the joint, similar to cracking your knuckles. Adjustments are typically painless, and many patients feel more flexible, clear-headed, and energized immediately afterward. While adjustments are often focused on the spine, chiropractors can also work with joints in the shoulders, hips, knees, and more. This whole-body approach is what makes chiropractic care effective for a wide range of issues—not just back pain.