One of the primary techniques used by Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) including Thomas Gehrmann is a “spinal adjustment,” also known as a “chiropractic adjustment” In fact, chiropractors are renowned in performing spinal adjustments. The term “adjustment” refers to the physical adjustment of the spinal vertebrae. The goal of such chiropractic adjustments is to reduce vertebral subluxation and return the spine to a more natural state of health. The word subluxation is derived from the Latin term sub (less than or slight) and luxate (to dislocate or be misaligned). Accordingly, vertebral subluxation means the slight dislocation or misalignment of the spinal vertebrae.

When a patient has a subluxation, depending on the level of subluxation, a chiropractor adjusts the misalignment in the spine to enhance joint mobility and reduce pain, muscle spasms, possible nerve irritation and impingement.

Chiropractic adjustments are a highly refined skill acquired over years of intensive training. The technique involves the manual application of a controlled force into the spinal vertebrae that have become misaligned and hypo-mobile (limited in their range of motion). This procedure has been proven to correct vertebral misalignment, and this treatment is often accompanied by a clicking sound. While this sound might surprise first time chiropractic patients, it is merely the audible release of gas from within the spinal joints, said by Thomas Gehrmann.