What Really Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment? Georgetown Chiropractor Explains

For many people, the thought of a chiropractic adjustment brings to mind the sound of cracking joints—but what’s really happening under the surface? At Thomas Back and Body, a trusted chiropractic clinic in Georgetown, Ontario, patients often ask us this exact question: What really happens during a chiropractic adjustment, and why does it help with pain, posture, and function?

Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are precise, controlled forces applied to joints—usually in the spine—that are restricted or misaligned. These restrictions can interfere with normal nerve function, mobility, and muscle coordination. During an adjustment, Dr. Thomas applies a quick, gentle thrust to restore normal joint motion and alignment. This can reduce nerve irritation, relax tight muscles, and improve blood flow in the affected area.

Scientific studies confirm these effects. A 2019 review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that spinal manipulation therapy significantly reduces acute and chronic lower back pain, while also improving function. Another study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that chiropractic adjustments positively influence brain-body communication through the nervous system, helping regulate stress, muscle tone, and even mood.

What Really Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment: More Than Just Spinal Work

While spinal adjustments are the foundation of chiropractic care, Dr. Thomas takes a comprehensive, multi-modal approach to musculoskeletal health. At Thomas Back and Body, chiropractic care often includes a combination of other effective treatment methods to support long-term recovery and performance, such as:

• Myofascial Release: A hands-on technique that targets the connective tissue around muscles to relieve tension, break up adhesions, and restore natural movement patterns.

• Rehabilitation Exercises: Customized mobility and strength-building programs to correct imbalances, improve posture, and prevent future injury.

• Cupping Therapy: A method that uses suction to increase blood circulation, promote healing, and reduce inflammation in targeted areas.

• Soft Tissue Therapy: Gentle manual techniques used to address muscle tightness, scar tissue, and trigger points.

These therapies complement spinal adjustments by treating the surrounding muscles, fascia, and joints—creating a more complete and lasting recovery.

Chiropractic Isn’t Just for Pain—It’s for Prevention and Performance

One of the biggest misconceptions about chiropractic care is that it’s only for people in pain. In reality, chiropractic care can benefit individuals at every stage of health, even if they’re not currently injured. Regular chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue care can help:

• Improve posture and body mechanics

• Enhance nervous system function

• Boost athletic performance

• Reduce stress and promote relaxation

• Prevent wear and tear on joints and discs

  
  

In fact, research from Spine (a peer-reviewed medical journal) has shown that people who receive regular chiropractic care report better function and fewer episodes of back pain, even when they begin treatment without a specific injury.

Many patients at Thomas Back and Body come in for wellness-based care—to stay aligned, move better, and live more actively. Whether you're an athlete, office worker, student, or retiree, maintaining proper joint function and muscular balance is essential for overall health.

Book Your Chiropractic Assessment in Georgetown Today

Understanding what really happens during a chiropractic adjustment can remove fear and build confidence in your care. At Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown, Ontario, we tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs—whether you're seeking pain relief, injury rehab, or simply want to move and feel better.

Book your appointment today and take the first step toward better mobility, posture, and overall wellness—with expert chiropractic care that goes beyond just the spine.