An adjustment is a specific, controlled movement applied to a joint that is not moving the way it should. Here is what that means, what it feels like, and how we decide what to adjust.
Reviewed by Dr. Brian Flemming, DC · Last reviewed September 2026
Quick answer
An adjustment is a specific, controlled movement that helps a spinal joint that isn't moving or aligned the way it should. Freeing up that joint takes stress off the muscles and nerves around it, so your body can work the way it's designed to. Most people feel pressure and then relief, and gentle, low-force options are available, including a drop table and the Activator instrument; Dr. Flemming never forces an adjustment.
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2026About This Service
A joint that is stuck, or moving less than it should, irritates the tissue around it and makes the joints next to it work harder. An adjustment is a quick, precise push that restores that movement. It is over in a second and it is aimed at one joint, not at your whole back.
The popping sound people expect is gas releasing from the fluid inside the joint. It is not bone on bone, and an adjustment works whether or not you hear it. We wrote a whole post on that: why does my back crack?
People often search for a “full-body adjustment.” It is a search term more than a clinical one. What it means here is that we assess the whole spine and pelvis, then adjust the joints the exam shows are restricted. We do not run a routine of cracking everything.
What We See Most
The whole spine and pelvis assessed, with adjustments where the exam shows a joint is restricted. Not a routine of cracking everything.
Specific, controlled care for neck stiffness, tension headaches and that stuck feeling when you turn your head.
Mid and low back adjustments for pain, tightness and restricted movement from work, lifting or long drives.
Care for an uneven pelvis or an irritated SI joint, a frequent source of low back and leg symptoms.
Softer techniques for anyone who is nervous, pregnant, older, or very young.
Some people want relief when something flares up. Others want the underlying structure corrected. We explain both and you choose.
Our Approach
An adjustment is only as good as the decision about where and why to make it. That is why nobody here is adjusted before they are examined. Your first visit is a consultation with the doctor and an orthopedic and neurological exam, followed by a report of findings: what we found, what we recommend, and what it costs, before any care begins.
The $59 new patient special covers exactly those three: the consultation, the exam and the report of findings. If your problem is not a chiropractic one, we will tell you that too.
We are on North Garfield Avenue in Loveland, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins and 10 from Berthoud. New here? See what to expect on your first visit and fill out your new patient forms online before you come in. Every care plan follows the same three phases of care. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare; see insurance and payment, or browse every condition we care for.
Research
A few of the published studies behind how we approach this. Research describes groups of people, not a promise for any one person. Your exam tells us what applies to you.
Pooling randomized trials, spinal manipulation for acute low back pain was associated with modest improvements in pain and function up to six weeks, with only minor, temporary side effects.
Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, et al. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA, 2017 · systematic review.
Across 47 trials, spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain worked about as well as other recommended therapies, with mostly mild, temporary side effects reported.
Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, et al. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 2019 · systematic review.
This Canadian chiropractic guideline suggests spinal manipulation, alongside advice, education and exercise, as part of multimodal care for acute and chronic low back pain.
Bussières AE, Stewart G, Al-Zoubi F, et al. Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Other Conservative Treatments for Low Back Pain: A Guideline From the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2018 · guideline.
From the Blog
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt? A Loveland chiropractor explains what it feels like, the pop, soreness after, and gentle options if you're nervous.
Read the articleWhen should you see a chiropractor for back pain? A Loveland chiropractor explains the signs it's time, what to try first, and when to go to the ER.
Read the articleChiropractor or physical therapist? A Loveland chiropractor explains, fairly, when each one fits, where they overlap, and how to decide where to start.
Read the articleCommon Questions
Most people feel pressure and then relief. Some soreness afterward is common, much like after a new workout, and it usually passes within a day or two.
It is a common search term rather than a clinical one. In practice it means the whole spine and pelvis are assessed and the joints that are restricted get adjusted. We do not adjust areas that do not need it.
It is gas releasing from the fluid inside the joint, the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles. It is not bones grinding, and an adjustment works whether or not you hear a sound.
It depends on the care you need and your insurance. New patients start with our $59 special, which covers the consultation, the exam and the report of findings, and we go over all costs before any care begins.
Yes. Along with hands-on adjusting, we use a drop table and the Activator instrument, both gentle, low-force techniques. Dr. Flemming never forces an adjustment, and your comfort guides the approach.
That depends on what your exam shows and what you want. Some patients come in only when something flares up. Others follow a corrective plan with a set schedule. We explain both and the choice is yours.
Have a different question? Read the full list of patient questions or call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patients
Tell us how to reach you and we’ll call to get you scheduled. Prefer to talk now? Call us at (970) 800-3486.
$315 value
This discounted service cannot be submitted for third-party reimbursement and is not reimbursable for cash. Not valid with Medicare, workers’ compensation, or personal injury / auto accident claims. Must mention this special when contacting us to receive the rate.
Get Started
You have put this off long enough. One thorough exam tells you what is actually going on and what it will take to fix it. Call us or send a request — we will get you in.
