Let’s talk about Neck Adjustments
Ah, neck adjustments. They’re probably the thing chiropractic is best known for, and they’re a core part of what we do. A good adjustment is a skilled, precise and carefully controlled technique, and Doctors of Chiropractic spend years training to deliver it well. So grab a cuppa and let’s chat about how we make sure every adjustment is the right one for you.
Neck adjustments: skilled hands, careful thinking
Behind every adjustment is a lot of thought. Before we ever lay a hand on your neck, we’ve taken a full history, carried out a thorough examination and built a picture of what’s going on. That way, when we do adjust, it’s targeted, purposeful and tailored to you.
Every visit starts with a check-in
Your body isn’t the same from one week to the next. Maybe you slept awkwardly, started a new class at the gym, changed medication, or picked up a new niggle. That’s why your chiropractor is assessing you at every single visit, not just your first one.
We’ll ask how you’ve been, what’s changed and whether anything new has cropped up. Those questions might feel small, but they help us make sure your adjustment is the right fit for you on that particular day.
Your consent counts, every time
Saying yes once doesn’t mean yes forever. Before any treatment, and especially before a neck adjustment, we’ll explain what we’re planning, why we’re recommending it and what you might feel. We’ll also talk through the benefits and the risks, so you can go ahead feeling informed, confident and relaxed.
If you have questions or any hesitation, just say. We’re always happy to talk it through. Consent is an ongoing conversation, and you’re in the driving seat.
Curious about the click?
You’re not alone! The “click” you sometimes hear during an adjustment isn’t bones cracking. Imaging research on knuckle joints suggests the sound happens as a small gas-filled space forms inside the joint when its surfaces separate, a bit like the pop when you open a fizzy drink (Kawchuk et al., 2015).
The click also isn’t a sign of whether the adjustment has “worked”. A systematic review found no evidence that hearing a click led to better pain outcomes, although the number of studies is still small (Moorman and Newell, 2022).
Got more questions?
Please ask us. When it comes to chiropractic care, the best person to ask is your chiropractor, as it’s exactly what we’re trained in. We know your history, and we’ll always give you a straight answer.
Comment sections and dramatic headlines aren’t known for their nuance. If you’ve seen or read something about neck adjustments that’s worried you, bring it along to your next appointment and we’ll talk it through honestly and calmly.
The chiropractor’s toolbox
No two people are the same, so no two care plans should be either. Alongside hands-on adjustments, your care might include:
The Activator, a small handheld adjusting instrument
Gentle mobilisation, using slower, controlled movements
Soft tissue work for tight, tired muscles
Exercises and stretches to keep you moving between visits
Practical advice on posture, your workstation, sleep and daily habits
Massage therapy with our wider team
A referral to another professional if that’s what’s best for you
The Activator is a brilliant option to have. It delivers a quick, gentle, controlled impulse to a specific area, with no turning of the neck. We use it in certain situations, and some patients simply prefer how it feels. Whether we adjust by hand or with the Activator, we’ll talk it through with you and choose together.
The bottom line
Neck adjustments are a skilled and valuable part of chiropractic care, and we love helping our patients feel at ease with them. We’ll keep checking in, keep explaining and keep asking for your consent, and we’d love you to keep asking questions too.
Written by Katie Graham, Doctor of Chiropractic, Connected Chiropractic
References
Kawchuk, G.N., Fryer, J., Jaremko, J.L., Zeng, H., Rowe, L. and Thompson, R. (2015) ‘Real-time visualization of joint cavitation’, PLoS ONE, 10(4), e0119470. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119470.
Moorman, A.C. and Newell, D. (2022) ‘Impact of audible pops associated with spinal manipulation on perceived pain: a systematic review’, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 30, 42. doi: 10.1186/s12998-022-00454-0.
