If you’ve ever come across chiropractic videos online—or had an adjustment yourself—you’ve probably noticed a lot of variety in how they’re performed. Some techniques look gentle and specific, while others involve large twisting movements or dramatic “cracks.” It’s easy to assume they’re all doing the same thing, but in truth, not all adjustments are created equal.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A true chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled movement applied to a particular joint in the spine. Using only their hands, the chiropractor makes contact with the exact bone that’s misaligned or not moving correctly. Then, a quick but precise thrust is delivered in a specific direction, often resulting in an audible “pop” or “click”—a natural release of gas from the joint space.
But the sound isn’t the goal. The true purpose of an adjustment is to restore proper alignment and motion to the spine, which in turn helps improve the function of the nervous system. When the spine moves better and is properly aligned, the body has a better chance of healing, functioning, and feeling its best.
So What’s the Difference Between an Adjustment and a Spinal Manipulation?
While the terms "adjustment" and "manipulation" are often used interchangeably, they are not the same—especially in the world of Gonstead Chiropractic.
At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we follow the Gonstead System, a highly detailed and analytical approach to chiropractic care. Before any adjustment is made, we conduct a comprehensive 5-step assessment to determine exactly which bone in the spine needs to be adjusted, how it needs to be corrected, and why it's causing dysfunction.
This level of precision not only makes the adjustment more effective—it also makes it significantly safer. With this targeted approach, we often see better, faster, and longer-lasting results for our patients.
What About Spinal Manipulation?
Spinal manipulation, by contrast, is a much less specific technique. Often involving twisting or rotating large sections of the spine, it’s typically performed without a thorough analysis. The main goal is usually just to create noise and movement somewhere in the spine, not necessarily to correct a specific problem.
Because it lacks the precision of a Gonstead adjustment, spinal manipulation can be less effective and, in some cases, riskier. While some chiropractors still use this generalized approach, it’s also increasingly common among physiotherapists, massage therapists —many of whom may only have taken a brief weekend course to learn the basics.
Why Choose a Gonstead Chiropractor?
At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we believe your spine deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. The Gonstead system allows us to tailor care to your unique needs, with a level of accuracy that sets us apart from traditional chiropractic or manual therapy methods.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, injury, or simply want to improve your overall spinal health, a precise Gonstead adjustment could make all the difference. Below is a video of a great example of just how powerful a series of specific Gonstead adjustments can be to really transforming someone's life:
