As a result of the stresses and strains of injury, poor posture, or just daily living, joint restrictions can occur in the spine and in other joints in the body. Decreased joint motion causes pain, inflammation, muscle tension and biomechanical changes, and interference with the function of the nervous system.

A chiropractor can identify these joint restrictions and perform a corrective adjustment to allow the joint to function properly again and stimulate the nervous system. An adjustment is a highly skilled, high velocity (fast), low amplitude (small and gentle) thrust to the restricted joint which sometimes creates a `pop` or `crack` sound, which is naturally-produced nitrogen gas escaping from the joint as pressure is reduced.

An adjustment has been proven to restore normal joint motion, reduce surrounding muscle tension or spasm, and stimulate the nerves at that region of the spine.