There is a difference between manipulation and a specific adjustment.

A “manipulator” delivers a force to multiple levels of the spine with the sole intent of “mobilising” the area. The manipulator generally contact’s the spine and no care is taken to isolate the specific joint or vertebrae.  Whatever “cracks” during manipulation does so without a specific goal in mind other than global movement. A manipulator gives every one the same “asprin” approach no matter what the presenting conditions are. Often they manipulate the spine in many areas often on both sides.

An adjustment implies that a detailed examination is performed at every visit via a functional assessment by the doctor’s “hands on” palpation of each joint to determine “if” there is a subluxation and exactly “where” it is located and that information is then applied to the x-rays to determine the best way to reduce the condition. The Chiropractor contacts the subluxated vertebrae on a specific part of the segment. They then position the patient with an exact placement of the appropriate spinal components and introduces the force with a specific “line of drive” and a calculated amplitude (depth or distance) to produce a cavitation (noise like cracking one’s knuckles). These factors are case specific for each patient. The adjustment is accomplished by specific isolation of adjusted segments and occur within the normal range of vertebral movement.