One question I have been asked before is “What is the difference between an adjustment and manipulation of the spine?”. In this article we will discuss the many factors that set an adjustment aside from a manipulation. There is a myth that “Chiropractic is manipulation, and manipulation is chiropractic”, but that is not true.

     The dictionary definition for manipulation is “The action of manipulating something in a skillful manner”. Since chiropractors often use their hands on the spine in a skillful manner this definition makes sense… at first, but it's not the perfect fit. In order to understand the difference between a specific chiropractic adjustment and manipulation, we first need to learn the intent behind the two. The reason a manipulation is not equal to an adjustment is because the definition is too broad and basic.

     Manipulation is not a specific procedure, it can actually be quite random at times. The dictionary definition for adjustment is “A small alteration or movement made to achieve a desired fit, appearance, result.” A chiropractic adjustment will move only the vertebra that needs repositioning in order to correct a nervous system altering misalignment or subluxation. If we were moving or “popping” any joint or vertebra that will move, that is more of a manipulation than a chiropractic adjustment.

     Chiropractic adjustments are more specific because the main goal is to restore the function/optimize the nervous system and to improve the patient's overall health. A lot of people get regular chiropractic adjustments for natural healing of spinal disorders such as Headaches, neck pain, sciatic, back pain, numbness, and many more. Thanks for reading, Dr. Joe