Chiropractic adjustment

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing person receiving a chiropractic adjustment 
Chiropractic adjustment

Chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which trained specialists (chiropractors) use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is to correct structural alignment and improve your body's physical function.

References
  1. AskMayoExpert. Chiropractic treatment. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  2. Chiropractic: An introduction. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htm. Accessed Aug. 16, 2012.
  3. Shekelle P. Spinal manipulation in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 16, 2012.
  4. Plastaras CT, et al. Complementary and alternative treatment for neck pain: Chiropractic, acupuncture, TENS, massage, yoga, tai chi and Feldenkrais. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 2011;22:521.
  5. Rubinstein SM, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain.co Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/details/file/1018215/CD008112.html. Accessed Aug. 16, 2012.
  6. Knight CL, et al. Treatment of acute low back pain. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 17, 2012.
  7. Bauer BA. Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine. 2nd ed. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2010:138.
  8. Gay RE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 22, 2012.
MY01107 Oct. 10, 2012

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