Why is it important to go to a chiropractor for a adjustment when you can make your neck "crack" at home? In this post we are going to discuss what the difference is between a global adjustment (self adjustment) and a chiropractic adjustment. 

Before we can go into detail about the different adjustments we have to talk about what is causing that noise you hear when you are adjusted. When a spinal segment is left immobile for a extended period of time nitrogen gas will build up in the segment and when the segment is moved quickly it will cause all of the gas build up to be released suddenly making the noise which is referred to as a cavitation.  This noise can be caused by any segment that has been stagnant which is why it is so common when we wake up in the morning and stretch. Most important is that this noise does not indicate that a segment has changed its alignment we can realign a joint without the noise sometimes and we can often get the noise without correcting a misalignment. 

Now onto the difference between a global adjustment and a specific adjustment. At home most people will pull on a region of the spine instead of a specific segment. This causes a equal pressure to be put on multiple segments at one time. This results in the segment above and below the fixated segment to give way. This offers temporary relief as it does increase the range of motion by causing laxity in the muscle and ligaments in the segments surrounding the fixation. However this temporary relief makes it more difficult to correct the fixated segment later on. It will also allow the fixated segment to continue degenerating. When a chiropractor adjusts they find the specific fixated segment and applies pressure directly to the stuck segment getting that one segment to start moving. This restores joint function and stops joint degeneration keeping the spine healthy and mobile. This is essential to maintain a healthy spine preventing disc issues that can cause neurological issues. 

Please do not adjust yourself at home. Get a specific chiropractic adjustment and keep your spine healthy.Â