Chiropractic Adjustment Explained: What Patients Ask Most

What Actually Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Common Techniques Used in Royal Oak

Why Does My Back "Crack" During an Adjustment?

That popping sound is caused by a gas bubble releasing from the fluid inside a joint. Joints contain a lubricating fluid, and when the joint is moved quickly, dissolved gases can escape in the form of a small bubble. The sound is not bones grinding or cracking against each other. It is simply a normal byproduct of joint movement.

Not every adjustment produces a sound. Whether or not you hear a pop does not determine how effective the session was. Patients treated with activator or drop-table techniques often hear little to no noise.

Is a Chiropractic Adjustment Safe?

For most patients, spinal adjustment is considered a low-risk procedure when performed by a licensed chiropractor. Some patients feel mild soreness in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours after a visit, similar to how muscles may feel after a new workout. Serious complications are rare.

Adjustment may not be appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain conditions, including severe osteoporosis, spinal instability, or some types of inflammatory arthritis, may need a modified approach or a different form of care. A thorough intake exam helps your provider determine which techniques are safe for your situation. Always share your full medical history before treatment begins.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of visits varies from person to person and depends heavily on the nature and duration of your complaint.

▸ Acute issues such as a recent strain or sudden onset of back pain may respond in just a few visits.

▸ Chronic conditions that have been present for months or years often require a longer course of care before consistent improvement is felt.

▸ Maintenance or wellness care may involve periodic visits once symptoms have resolved, to support ongoing spinal function.



Many patients can expect a reassessment after the first several visits, so your provider can track how your body is responding and adjust the plan accordingly. No two care plans look identical.

What Conditions Can Chiropractic Care Help With?

Chiropractic adjustment is most associated with back and neck pain, but patients also seek care for headaches, sciatica, hip discomfort, and reduced range of motion following an injury. Conditions that commonly bring patients in from the Berkley and Oak Park areas include lower back strain, tech neck from extended screen time, and lingering soreness from auto accidents on nearby I-696.

For a detailed look at the full range of services available, visit the chiropractic care page.

Ready to Get Your Questions Answered in Person?

Progressive Chiropractic, located at 716 W. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, MI 48067, serves patients traveling from Berkley, Oak Park, and across the surrounding Oakland County area. Dr. John Grgicak and the team offer same-day appointments and a $39 new patient special that includes a consultation, exam, X-rays if needed, an adjustment, and a follow-up massage session.

Call (248) 544-4095 to schedule your first visit, or contact the team online to ask any remaining questions. The practice is built on clear answers and comfortable care.