Chiropractic Adjustments Explained: What to Expect
You’ve heard the term “chiropractic adjustment” a hundred times. Maybe you’ve seen videos of people getting their backs cracked and twisted. Maybe your friend swears by their regular adjustments. But you’ve never actually had one, and honestly? The whole thing seems a little intimidating.
What exactly happens during a chiropractic adjustment? Does it hurt? Why does it make that popping sound? And how does moving your spine around actually help with back pain, neck pain, or headaches?
At Twin Cities Chiropractic in St. Paul, we’ve been performing adjustments since 2001. Dr. Scot Sorum has adjusted thousands of patients, and I can tell you exactly what to expect during your first adjustment and why this hands-on treatment is so effective for pain and mobility problems.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment—also called spinal manipulation—is a precise, controlled force applied to a specific joint in your spine. The goal is to restore proper movement and alignment to joints that have become restricted or misaligned.
Think of it this way: your spine is made up of 24 individual vertebrae stacked on top of each other. Between each vertebra is a joint that’s supposed to move smoothly. When these joints get stuck, misaligned, or restricted in their movement, it creates problems—pain, stiffness, muscle tension, nerve irritation.
An adjustment uses quick, controlled pressure to “unstick” that joint and restore normal movement. It’s not about forcing bones back into place or cracking your back randomly. It’s a specific, targeted technique addressing exactly which joint needs correction.
Chiropractic adjustments are the core of what chiropractors do, and they’re incredibly effective for conditions like back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and headaches.
Why Do Adjustments Work?
When a spinal joint isn’t moving properly, several things happen:
The joint itself becomes inflamed and painful. Restricted movement causes irritation and inflammation in the joint capsule and surrounding tissues.
Muscles around that joint tighten up. Your body tries to protect the area by creating muscle spasms. These tight muscles pull on your spine and create more pain and stiffness.
Nerves can get compressed or irritated. When a vertebra is misaligned or a joint isn’t moving properly, it can put pressure on nearby nerves. That’s when you get shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Your posture and movement patterns get thrown off. When one part of your spine isn’t working correctly, other areas compensate. This creates a domino effect of dysfunction throughout your entire spine.
A properly performed adjustment addresses all of these problems:
- Restores normal joint movement
- Reduces inflammation
- Releases muscle tension
- Takes pressure off compressed nerves
- Improves overall spinal function and posture
It’s not magic. It’s biomechanics. When your joints move properly, your body functions better, and pain decreases.
What Happens During Your Adjustment
Let me walk you through exactly what happens when you get adjusted at Twin Cities Chiropractic at 506 N. Lexington Parkway in St. Paul.
Positioning comes first. Depending on which area needs treatment, Dr. Sorum will position you on the adjustment table. Most commonly, you’ll lie face down for lower back adjustments, or on your side for certain techniques. For neck adjustments, you might be face down with your head in a special cushion, or sitting up.
The table itself is designed for chiropractic work—it has sections that drop down slightly to assist with the adjustment, reducing the force needed and making the treatment more comfortable.
Palpation and assessment. Before adjusting, Dr. Sorum will feel along your spine to identify exactly which segments need correction. He’s checking for areas of restriction, misalignment, muscle tension, and tenderness. This hands-on assessment tells him precisely where to adjust and what technique to use.
The adjustment itself. Dr. Sorum will position his hands on the specific vertebra or joint that needs correction. Then he’ll apply a quick, controlled thrust. It’s fast—a fraction of a second—but very precise. The force is directed at that specific joint, not just randomly pushing on your back.
You’ll often hear a popping or cracking sound. That’s completely normal. It’s not your bones grinding or cracking. It’s gas bubbles (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide) releasing from the joint fluid. The medical term is “cavitation,” and it’s the same sound your knuckles make when you crack them.
Immediate reassessment. After the adjustment, Dr. Sorum will recheck the area to confirm the joint is moving properly. Sometimes one adjustment is all that’s needed. Sometimes a segment requires multiple adjustments from different angles.
Post-adjustment instructions. You’ll get specific guidance on what to do after treatment—whether to use ice or heat, what activities to avoid for the next 24 hours, and stretches or exercises to do at home.
The entire process for a single adjustment takes just seconds, though a full treatment session addressing multiple areas might last 15-20 minutes.
Does It Hurt?
This is the question everyone asks. The honest answer: usually no, but it depends.
Most people don’t experience pain during an adjustment. You feel pressure, maybe a slight stretch, then the release when the joint moves. Many people describe it as immediately relieving—like finally scratching an itch you couldn’t reach.
If you’re coming in with severe acute pain, the positioning and pressure might be temporarily uncomfortable, but the actual adjustment itself typically provides relief.
Sometimes you’ll feel sore afterward, especially after your first few adjustments. This is normal. Your spine just moved in ways it hasn’t moved in months or years. The muscles are readjusting. This soreness usually lasts 24-48 hours and feels similar to post-workout muscle soreness.
If you’re nervous about pain, tell Dr. Sorum. He can modify techniques, use gentler approaches, or explain exactly what he’s doing so you know what to expect.
Different Adjustment Techniques
Not all adjustments look or feel the same. Dr. Sorum is trained in multiple techniques and chooses the best approach for each patient:
Diversified Technique is the most common—the classic chiropractic adjustment you’ve probably seen. It involves a quick thrust with the hands to restore joint movement. This is what most people think of as “getting adjusted.”
The Activator Method uses a small handheld instrument that delivers a gentle, precise impulse to the spine. It’s great for people who are nervous about manual adjustments or for treating delicate areas.
The drop table technique uses a specialized table with sections that drop slightly when pressure is applied. This assists the adjustment and requires less force, making it more comfortable for many patients.
Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-thrusting technique used primarily for herniated discs and sciatica. The table moves in a rhythmic motion that gently stretches the spine.
Dr. Sorum will choose the technique based on your condition, your comfort level, and what he finds during the examination.
Conditions That Respond to Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions:
Lower back pain from muscle strain, joint dysfunction, or disc problems responds incredibly well to adjustments. Whether you’re dealing with acute pain or chronic issues, restoring proper spinal movement is key to recovery.
Neck pain and stiffness from poor posture, whiplash, or sleeping wrong improve quickly with cervical spine adjustments.
Sciatica and radiating leg pain caused by nerve compression often resolve with adjustments that take pressure off the affected nerve.
Headaches, especially tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck), respond well to upper cervical adjustments.
Sports injuries involving joint dysfunction, muscle strain, or biomechanical problems benefit from adjustments combined with sports injury treatment.
Auto accident injuries, including whiplash and soft tissue damage, need chiropractic adjustments to restore proper alignment after trauma.
Joint stiffness and reduced mobility from arthritis, aging, or inactivity improve with regular adjustments that keep joints moving properly.
What to Expect After Your First Adjustment
Immediate effects: Many people feel relief right away. Reduced pain, improved range of motion, and muscles relaxing—these are common immediate responses. Some people feel a bit lightheaded or relaxed for 10-15 minutes after adjustment. This is normal and passes quickly.
The first 24-48 hours: You might feel sore, similar to how you feel after starting a new exercise routine. Your spine just moved in ways it hasn’t moved in a while, and your muscles are adjusting. This is temporary and actually a sign that your body is responding to treatment.
Ice the area for 15-20 minutes several times during the first day to minimize soreness. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 hours.
The next few days: The soreness should fade, and you’ll start noticing sustained improvement in your symptoms. Pain levels typically decrease, movement becomes easier, and you have more energy.
How Many Adjustments Will You Need?
This depends entirely on your condition:
Acute problems like a sudden back strain or car accident injury might need 6-8 adjustments over 2-3 weeks.
Chronic conditions that have been developing for months or years typically require more frequent adjustments initially—2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks—then spacing out as you improve.
Maintenance care after your initial problem is resolved might involve monthly or periodic adjustments to keep your spine functioning properly and prevent future problems.
Dr. Sorum will give you a realistic treatment plan during your first visit. We focus on getting you better, not keeping you coming back indefinitely. When you’re better, we tell you.
Safety and Who Shouldn’t Get Adjusted
Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a licensed, experienced chiropractor like Dr. Sorum. Serious complications are rare—far less common than complications from medications or surgery used to treat the same conditions.
However, there are some situations where adjustments aren’t appropriate:
- Severe osteoporosis with fracture risk
- Spinal cord compression with significant neurological symptoms
- Bone cancer or tumors in the spine
- Severe inflammatory arthritis in an acute flare
- Recent spinal fracture
Dr. Sorum screens for these conditions during your initial evaluation. If adjustments aren’t safe for you, he’ll tell you and refer you to the appropriate provider.
Why Choose Twin Cities Chiropractic for Your Adjustments
Experience matters. Dr. Sorum has been performing adjustments since 2001—over 20 years of clinical experience. He’s performed thousands of adjustments and knows exactly how to evaluate your spine and deliver effective, comfortable treatment.
Multiple techniques. Because Dr. Sorum is trained in various adjustment methods, he can choose the best approach for your specific condition and comfort level.
Comprehensive care. We don’t just adjust you and send you on your way. Adjustments are combined with manual therapy from Joy, rehabilitation exercises, and spinal decompression when needed.
Convenient St. Paul location. We’re right at 506 N. Lexington Parkway, easy to access with plenty of parking.
Same-day appointments. Need to be adjusted today? We offer same-day appointments for urgent cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Adjustments
Is it safe to get adjusted if I’ve never been to a chiropractor before?
Yes, absolutely. Dr. Sorum will do a thorough evaluation before any treatment to make sure adjustments are safe and appropriate for you. First-time patients often find that adjustments are much gentler and more comfortable than they expected.
Can I adjust myself at home?
No. Those videos you see of people twisting themselves or having friends “crack their back” are dangerous. Chiropractic adjustments are specific, controlled movements targeting precise joints. Self-manipulation or having an untrained person push on your spine can cause injury. If you need an adjustment, see a licensed chiropractor.
Will I need adjustments forever?
No. The goal is to correct your problem and restore normal function. Some people choose to continue periodic maintenance adjustments after their initial condition is resolved because they feel better with regular care, but it’s not required. When choosing a chiropractor in St. Paul, look for someone honest about treatment duration—that’s what we provide.
Do adjustments cure everything?
No, and anyone who claims they do is lying. Adjustments are extremely effective for musculoskeletal problems—back pain, neck pain, joint dysfunction, and certain types of headaches. They’re not going to cure diabetes, cancer, or infections. We’re honest about what chiropractic can and can’t treat.
What if I don’t like the popping sound?
Tell Dr. Sorum. He can use techniques like the Activator Method or drop table technique that don’t produce the popping sound but are still effective.
Ready to Get Adjusted?
If you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, stiffness, or any musculoskeletal problem, chiropractic adjustments might be exactly what you need. The best way to know is to get evaluated.
Call Twin Cities Chiropractic at 651-224-1921 or book online. We’ll schedule your initial consultation, do a thorough evaluation, and if adjustments are appropriate, you’ll typically get your first treatment that same day.
Need a chiropractor adjustment in St. Paul? Twin Cities Chiropractic at 506 N. Lexington Parkway provides expert spinal adjustments for back pain, neck pain, and more. Dr. Sorum’s 20+ years of experience ensure safe, effective treatment. Call 651-224-1921 or book online today.