Chiropractors use a variety of natural, hands-on approaches to help people maintain healthy movement and function throughout the entire spine, including the neck, mid-back, and lower back. The type of care recommended is based on a person's health history, examination findings, lifestyle, and individual needs.
Many chiropractic visits may include stretching, muscle-relaxation techniques, postural guidance, and recommendations for exercise and daily activities. These forms of care are often combined with chiropractic adjustments, which are a central part of conservative chiropractic practice.
In chiropractic, a subluxation is commonly defined as a misalignment or abnormal motion of a spinal joint that may interfere with normal movement and nervous system function. Chiropractors evaluate the spine to locate areas where vertebrae are not moving properly, where stress and neurological interference may be affecting overall function.
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific and controlled force applied to a spinal joint by a licensed chiropractor. Unlike a general movement of the spine, an adjustment is directed to a particular area of subluxation and tailored to the patient's age, size, comfort level, and health needs. The goal is to help restore proper motion to the joint, support healthy nerve communication, and improve the body's ability to move and function as designed.
Research from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reports that spinal adjustments can help improve joint motion and function and may be beneficial for certain types of neck and back pain. Chiropractors also commonly provide education on posture, ergonomics, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits as part of a comprehensive approach to spinal health.
References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): Article - Chiropractic In Depth
NCCIH – Spinal Manipulation: What You Need to Know: Article - The Chiropractic Adjustment
