A chiropractic adjustment is a specific procedure of moving spinal vertebrae for the purpose of correction of vertebral subluxations. Much discussion goes on in health care circles as to what to call what chiropractors do. The answer is simple.
Chiropractors perform chiropractic adjustments.
Exploit, misuse, take advantage, control, deploy, maneuver, use, ply, swing, wield, grope, examine, finger, fondle, handle, maul, palpate, paw, probe, touch, govern, sway. In looking at the two it is easy to see why chiropractors use the term adjustment. A properly given chiropractic adjustment is designed to correct interference to the nervous system from subluxations. The adjustment is characterized by a specific thrust applied to the vertebra utilizing parts of the vertebra and contiguous structures as levers to directionally correct articular malposition. Adjustment shall be differentiated from spinal manipulation in that the adjustment can only be applied to a vertebral malposition with the express intent to improve or correct the subluxation, whereas any joint, subluxated or not, may be manipulated to mobilize the joint or to put the joint through its range of motion.