A subluxation is known as a misalignment in the vertebrae which can cause a lot of back pain for some people.  Chiropractors complete full examinations to locate a subluxation and will proceed to perform the appropriate chiropractic adjustment.  In order for a chiropractor to fix a misalignment, they must apply pressure to the bone.  The bone will then realign itself in the proper position.  It may take several treatments for the correction to take place because the muscles have a tendency to restore the bone back to its old position.  There are many different techniques a chiropractor can use to perform an adjustment.  Some physicians will ask their patients to lie down, while others will require that patients sit up for treatment.  Some physicians will use movable tables with adjustable head and foot rests, and some will use stationary tables.  Whichever technique the physician chooses to use, it is important to remember that every chiropractor has studied and practiced adjustments very precisely to give the patient the most pain relief possible. 

       Very few patients feel discomfort from a spinal adjustment because there is little pressure applied and minimal force is used.  Patients may hear a popping sound, but there is no reason to worry.  The popping noises are completely normal and are caused from tiny pockets releasing gas.  The treatment may cause discomfort for patients who are tense, but are typically pain free for most individuals.