Are Chiropractic Adjustments Painful?

For many first-time patients, the anticipation of a "crack" or "pop" during a session leads to a common question: Are chiropractic adjustments very painful? While the sounds associated with spinal manipulation can be startling, the procedure itself is designed to relieve pain rather than cause it. 

Hess Spinal and Medical Center prioritizes patient comfort by using controlled, precise movements to restore joint mobility. Most patients describe the sensation as a localized pressure followed by an immediate sense of relief, though it is normal to experience mild, temporary soreness (similar to the feeling after a good workout) as your body adapts to its new, healthy alignment.

By addressing the structural root of your discomfort without the risks of invasive surgery or addictive medication, we help you achieve a faster, more sustainable recovery.

1) Are Chiropractic Adjustments Painful? Let's Talk Sensation

Folks often get a bit spooked by the sounds they hear in the clinic or see on social media videos. Let’s set the record straight: that "pop" or "crack" isn't bone rubbing on bone. It is a biological process called cavitation. Within your joint capsules, there is a natural lubricant called synovial fluid. 

When a chiropractor performs a precise adjustment, the joint space opens just enough to cause a change in pressure. This change allows nitrogen and CO₂ bubbles to find their way out of the joint space.

Most of our patients tell us they feel a sudden, wonderful release of pressure, not a lick of sharp pain. In fact, clinical studies show that 94% of patients receiving manual manipulation experience significant pain reduction, compared to just 69% for standard medical care. 

You might feel a touch of soreness later that evening, kind of like you spent a good afternoon working in the garden or hitting the gym. That’s just your body getting used to being back where it belongs. At Hess Spinal and Medical Centers, we’re really gentle with our approach because we want you walking out with a smile.

2) Is It Safe? Choosing Natural Over Invasive

When it comes to your health, safety is the name of the game. You'll be glad to know that the CDC recommends spinal manipulation as a safe, effective, non-invasive way to handle common aches like low back and neck pain.

We’re proud to offer a drug-free path to relief. This is especially vital given the ongoing opioid crisis. Research published in BMJ Open found that patients who see a chiropractor first have 90% decreased odds of needing long-term opioid prescriptions.

Before we ever lay a finger on you, we do a thorough check to make sure your body is ready. Sometimes, patients wonder if they need a specialist or an MRI before they come to us. If you’re at that crossroads, you might find clarity in our guide on whether it is better to see a chiropractor or get an MRI first for back pain.

3) What Exactly Does a Chiropractor Do?

A chiropractor is a primary healthcare professional focused on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The core of their practice revolves around the idea that proper spinal alignment allows the body to heal itself. Because we are primary care providers, you typically do not need a referral to see us.

A chiropractor’s main role is to restore proper function and alignment to the body. We look for subluxations. The areas where a spinal joint isn't moving quite right, which can irritate the nearby nerves. They don't just treat the site of pain; they look for the root cause.

Core Activities and Techniques:

• Diagnosis and Assessment: Taking a thorough account of past injuries, current pain, and lifestyle goals.

• Physical Exam: Performing orthopedic and neurological tests to check reflexes, range of motion, and muscle strength.

• Diagnostic Imaging: Using X-rays to see the internal structure of the spine and identify specific issues.

• Spinal Manipulation: Applying a controlled, sudden force to improve motion and restore normal function.

• Soft Tissue Therapy: Using techniques like trigger point therapy to address surrounding muscles and ligaments.

• Rehabilitative Exercise: Teaching specific stretches to stabilize the spine and prevent future injury.

4) Does a Chiropractor Hurt at First?

We get asked this a lot by our newcomers. You might feel a little "off" or tender right after that first session. However, that’s just your body saying, "Oh, so that's where I'm supposed to be!" Think of it like a nerve waking up after your arm falls asleep. As your alignment shifts, muscles that have been snoozing for years suddenly have to start working again. 

This can cause some mild, workout-like soreness. However, it is a sign of progress. If you’re worried about the timeline of feeling better, we have a detailed breakdown of how long it takes to heal with chiropractic care available on our blog.

5) Can Chiropractic Help with Vertigo or Dizziness?

While most folks think of chiropractors for back pain, the nervous system controls everything including your balance. Misalignments in the upper neck (the cervical spine) can interfere with the signals your brain receives about your body’s position in space.

Many of our patients have found immense relief from "the spins" through gentle adjustments. To understand how the neck and balance are connected, read more about how chiropractic care can help with vertigo or dizziness.

6) Can a Chiropractor Help with Sciatica While Pregnant?

Carrying a little one is a joy; however, it puts a heavy load on your low back. We are talking about  Sciatica, that shooting pain down your leg. It is common during pregnancy as your center of gravity shifts. Research in PLOS One highlights that chiropractic care is highly effective for sciatica and significantly reduces the risk of adverse drug events (Trager et al., 2025).

At Hess Spinal and Medical Centers, we use the gentle Webster Method to balance your pelvis and take pressure off the sciatic nerve, helping both you and the baby stay comfortable.

7) What to Expect During Your Visit

We don't do "one-size-fits-all" here. When you walk into Hess Spinal and Medical Centers, we sit down and listen to your story about where it hurts, how long it’s been bothering you, and what you’ve tried before.

We walk through a deep evaluation and physical exam before we even think about an adjustment. We’re all about open talk; if something doesn’t feel right, you just say the word and we stop. We have a whole toolbox of gentle manual techniques and special instruments, so we can tailor the care to exactly what you need.

Answering Common Concerns (FAQ)

1. Will I need to keep coming back forever?

No, that’s a myth! We aim to fix the root problem. We start with an intensive phase to get you out of pain, and then you decide what preventative wellness looks like for you.

2. Is it safe if I have a serious condition like osteoporosis?

Safety is our priority. We take a full medical history and review images first. If we find red flags like severe osteoporosis, we will safely refer you to a specialist.

3. Do adjustments only help with back pain?

While we are back pain experts, the benefits ripple out! Patients report better sleep, fewer headaches, and less overall tension once their nervous system is clear.

4. Why do you need to take X-rays first?

X-rays act as our roadmap. As per the FDA, imaging ensures an accurate diagnosis. It allows us to be precise and avoid any areas that might have underlying structural issues.

5. Can I get adjusted if I've had back surgery?

Yes! We are specially trained to work around surgical sites. We focus on supporting the surrounding joints to take the stress off the area that was operated on.

6. Will my insurance cover chiropractic treatments?

Most major plans, including many Medicare/Medicaid options managed by the CMS, offer coverage, especially for acute conditions (CMS Coverage Guidelines). Our team helps verify your benefits beforehand.

Your New Beginning Starts Today

We truly hope this conversation has put your mind at ease. If you've been sitting on the sidelines, nervous about taking the next step toward a pain-free life, let this be your gentle nudge. We don’t want fear to hold you back from feeling good and getting back to enjoying everything Florida living has to offer.

Whether that’s a day on the water or just playing with the grandkids. At Hess Spinal and Medical Centers, we promise to approach your care with the compassion, safety, and expertise you deserve. Give us a call, come on in, and let’s start your journey toward feeling fantastic together. We can't wait to meet you!

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a provider-patient relationship. For personalized physical or medical assessments and treatment, please contact Hess Spinal and Medical Center.