Spinal
manipulation (chiropractic adjustment) is at the heart of
chiropractic. The objective of spinal manipulation is
to reduce pain and restore function. An
adjustment can be delivered in a number of different
ways. Traditional adjustments (image left)
almost always produce a popping sound called an osseous
release as the joint is manipulated. This sound
is a byproduct of an improvement in joint mobility
which restores proper joint movement. Chiropractors
sometimes 
use
an adjusting instrument such as an Activator®(image right)
either exclusively or in combination with other
techniques to provide an adjustment. There is no
osseous release when an adjusting instrument is used.
When properly applied both techniques, traditional
and instrument-assisted, are usually painless and
extrememly safe.
Manipulation
is performed around the world. In Europe it is more
commonly known as manual therapy.