The chiropractic adjustment is the cornerstone of chiropractic care and the primary service offered at Kosterman Chiropractic Center in Clinton, NC. A chiropractic adjustment — also called spinal manipulation — is a precise, skilled application of controlled force to a specific joint, typically in the spine, to restore proper alignment, improve range of motion, and reduce nerve interference. When performed by a trained chiropractor, adjustments are safe, effective, and often provide immediate relief from pain and stiffness.
Our chiropractor uses a variety of adjustment techniques, ensuring that each patient receives care that is appropriately matched to their age, condition, comfort level, and clinical presentation.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Work
The spine houses and protects the spinal cord — the primary highway of your nervous system. When vertebrae lose their normal position or motion (a condition called subluxation), they can irritate or compress the nerves that exit between them. This can cause pain at the site of the subluxation and also along the path of the affected nerve, contributing to symptoms far from the spine itself.
A chiropractic adjustment corrects subluxations by applying a quick, precise force that moves the joint back into its proper position. This:
- Restores normal joint motion — reducing stiffness and improving flexibility
- Relieves nerve pressure — reducing pain, numbness, and tingling
- Relaxes surrounding muscles — breaking cycles of spasm and guarding
- Reduces inflammation — by restoring normal joint mechanics and fluid flow
- Enhances nervous system function — supporting whole-body health and healing
Adjustment Techniques We Use
At Kosterman Chiropractic Center, we are trained in multiple adjustment techniques to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient:
- Diversified Technique — the most widely used high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust technique; effective and precise
- Gonstead Technique — a highly specific, evidence-based approach using detailed X-ray analysis and precise contact points
- Thompson Drop Technique — uses a segmented, spring-loaded table to assist the adjustment with minimal force
- Flexion-Distraction — a gentle, non-thrusting technique ideal for disc conditions and elderly patients
- Instrument-Assisted Adjusting (Activator) — uses a small handheld instrument to deliver a controlled impulse; ideal for sensitive patients or specific joint areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to hear a popping sound during an adjustment?
Yes. The "pop" heard during many adjustments is caused by the release of gas (nitrogen, oxygen, CO2) from the joint space as the joint surfaces separate slightly. This is completely normal, painless, and unrelated to bones cracking.
Are adjustments safe for children and seniors?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments can be safely adapted for all ages. Pediatric adjustments use very light pressure, and senior care is tailored to account for reduced bone density and joint fragility.
Will adjustments hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during an adjustment. Some may feel mild soreness for 24–48 hours afterward, similar to how muscles feel after exercise. This is a normal response and typically resolves quickly.
How often do I need to be adjusted?
Frequency depends on your condition, its chronicity, and your health goals. Acute pain may require more frequent visits initially, tapering as you improve. Many patients choose maintenance care to preserve their results and support long-term spinal health.