The Science Behind Chiropractic Adjustments: How They Work & Why They’re Safe
When most people think of a chiropractic adjustment, they picture that familiar “pop” and the sense of relief that follows. But behind that experience is a powerful combination of biomechanics, neurology, and whole‑body physiology…all working together to help your body function the way it’s designed to.
At The Hive Wellness Center here in Lincoln, our goal is always gentle, effective, nervous‑system‑focused care. So today, we’re taking you behind the scenes to explore what really happens during a chiropractic adjustment, why your nervous system responds so positively, and what current research says about safety.
Take a deep breath, settle in, and let’s explore the science through a warm, holistic lens.
Your Body’s Built‑In Wisdom and How Adjustments Support It
Chiropractic care is built on something beautifully simple: Your body knows how to heal. It just needs the right conditions.
When spinal joints aren’t moving optimally (what chiropractors call subluxations, restrictions or fixations), it can create stress on muscles, ligaments, and the nervous system. Research shows that spinal manipulation can help restore healthier joint motion by gently influencing the joints, surrounding connective tissues, and even the fluid in those small but important spinal joints. This can improve mobility and decrease stiffness in a very real, measurable way.
But the benefits go far beyond joints.
Adjustments + The Brain: A Nervous System Reset
One of the most fascinating discoveries in recent research is how chiropractic care affects the brain itself.
A 2024 randomized controlled trial found that chiropractic adjustments can actually influence neuroplasticity…aka the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and process information.
Patients receiving four weeks of chiropractic care showed improvements in:
Brainwave patterns
Sleep quality
Stress levels
Pain perception
This study strongly suggests that chiropractic care helps the brain communicate more efficiently with the body. Something our holistic approach at The Hive focuses on deeply.
When your nervous system is clearer, calmer, and more coordinated, the whole body benefits.
About That “Pop” — Does It Even Matter?
Let’s clear up one of the biggest misconceptions.
A 2024 study reviewed whether the audible sound during an adjustment (often caused by a tiny gas bubble shifting in the joint) has any therapeutic meaning.
The result? The sound doesn’t affect the outcome.
Researchers found no difference in brainwave responses or results between adjustments that “popped” and those that didn’t.
So if you’re someone who doesn’t always hear that sound…don’t worry…the healing is in the motion, not the noise.
Safety Matters: What the Latest Research Really Shows
We know that safety is one of the first questions people ask…especially regarding neck adjustments. Thankfully, the research is incredibly reassuring.
Systematic Reviews & Meta‑Analyses Agree
A high‑level 2024 systematic review found that chiropractic cervical adjustments do not increase the risk of mild or moderate adverse events compared to other care.
Another 2025 comprehensive review on cervical artery dissection (CAD) (often cited in safety conversations) revealed:
Migraine and certain genetic factors are real risk contributors
Chiropractic adjustments were not associated with increased risk of CAD, especially compared to medical visits for similar symptoms
This is a powerful finding, especially because it came from reviewing more than 120 studies.
Chiropractic as a Safer Alternative to Pain Medications
While many people don’t think twice about taking over‑the‑counter pain relievers, research shows they can carry significantly higher risks — from organ stress to thousands of hospitalizations annually.
Comparatively, serious complications from chiropractic care are extremely rare, and statistically similar to everyday movements like turning to check your blind spot.
Even malpractice insurance companies…who base their decisions entirely on risk….charge chiropractors only a fraction of what medical providers pay. (No hate to our medical providers…we definitely need you all too!) That’s how safe chiropractic care consistently proves to be.
Current Guidelines Strongly Support Chiropractic Care
A major review of 33 clinical guidelines in 2024 found that:
90% recommend spinal manipulation for low back pain
100% recommend it for neck pain
It’s also widely recommended for headache disorders like tension‑type and cervicogenic headaches
This makes chiropractic one of the most supported non‑drug pain care options available today.
To Wrap it up…
At The Hive Wellness Center, your body, mind, and long‑term wellbeing are always at the heart of our care. Chiropractic adjustments aren’t just about cracking joints….they’re about supporting the nervous system, improving brain‑body communication, reducing stress, and helping your body thrive.
And now, more than ever, we have research that supports what holistic practitioners have seen for decades…when the spine moves better, the whole body lives better.
If you're curious about how chiropractic care can fit into your wellness journey, we’d love to welcome you into our hive here in Lincoln.
Works Cited
“Adverse Events After Cervical Spinal Manipulation – A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis…” Association of New Jersey Chiropractors, 2025.
“Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care…” Brain Sci., 2024.
“The Truth About Chiropractic Safety…” Johnstone Chiropractic, 2025.
“The Exploration of Potential Spinal Manipulation Effects.” Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 2024.
“Spinal Manipulation/Mobilization: Past, Present, Future.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2025.
“Chiropractic and Spinal Manipulation: A Review of Research Trends…” J. Clin. Med., 2024.
“Top Chiropractic Research Articles from 2024 & 2025.” ANJC & ChiroUp, 2024–2025.
NOTE: This is not medical advice. This post and all blog posts are for educational purposes. Please reach out to your doctor or health care provider when making lifestyle changes or adding new supplements + herbs to your routine.