Adjustment/Manipulation

The term "adjustment" refers to the specific manipulation chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. Dr. Cheung and his team here at Pasadena Chirocenter are fully trained and equipped to provide effective adjustment and manipulation treatment.

The objective of the chiropractic treatment we provide is to reduce the subluxation (the partial displacement of a joint), which results in an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability and improved function. This means less pain and more comfort for our clients.

The adjustment made by the chiropractor consists of a high velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to a vertebra, which is often accompanied by an audible release of gas (joint cavitation). The audible sound is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure (cavitation).

The sensation is usually relieving, though minor discomfort has been reported if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic procedure, but this is usually brief and temporary. When this happens, our chiropractors usually apply ice, have the patient rest, or do electrical stimulation and massage prior to attempting spinal manipulation.