Is Chiropractic Painful? What You Need to Know Before Your First Adjustment

When I perform a chiropractic adjustment on the neck, I use my hands to move a vertebra back into its optimal position, allowing it to function better. You may hear a “pop,” which occurs because of bone conduction of sound. This popping sound, referred to as a “cavitation,” happens when a vacuum is created within the joint. It’s important to note that nothing is “breaking” or “snapping”—it’s simply the movement of the joint, which is designed to shift.

When working on the upper or lower back, you may hear a similar click, although it won’t be as loud as the sound heard when adjusting the neck. While some patients might feel a slight twinge of discomfort during the adjustment, the sensation is generally very mild and is usually followed by a pleasant feeling of relief as the joint begins to move more freely. Additionally, spinal adjustments trigger the release of endorphins, which naturally help to alleviate pain.

In rare cases, if there’s significant swelling or muscle spasm, the adjustment might feel a little more uncomfortable, but typically, it’s no worse than pressing gently on sore muscles. My goal is always to use the most comfortable technique available to correct the joint dysfunction and bring you relief.

Ultimately, chiropractic care is about healing and improving function, not about causing pain. If you’re still unsure about chiropractic treatment, I encourage you to give it a try and see the relief for yourself.