Chiropractic Adjustments in San Francisco

A chiropractic adjustment (also called spinal manipulation) is a quick, controlled movement that a licensed chiropractor applies to a joint that isn't moving well. The goal is to restore normal motion, ease pain and muscle tension, and help you move more comfortably. Adjustments can be done by hand, with a drop table or with a handheld instrument, on the spine and on joints like the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle.

TruSpine provides chiropractic adjustments at 50 Francisco Street, Suite 257 in North Beach / North Waterfront, near Fisherman's Wharf, Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill. We're open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Book online or call (415) 421-1115.

Most people feel pressure and then relief, not pain. If an area is very sore or inflamed, you may feel brief discomfort as the joint moves. We always adapt the technique to your comfort and can use gentle, low-force options.

The pop is called a cavitation: a small gas bubble released from the fluid inside the joint when it opens, the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles. It isn't bones grinding or "going back into place," and an adjustment can work without any sound.

We start with your history and goals, then examine your posture, movement, joints, muscles and nerves to find the source of your pain. We explain what we find, recommend a plan and, when it's appropriate, begin treatment the same day. If we see red flags, we'll refer you for imaging or to a medical doctor.

The adjustment itself takes only a few minutes. Most TruSpine visits also include soft-tissue work, mobility exercises or other therapies, so you get more than a quick crack.

It depends on your condition, how long you've had it and your goals. Some people feel better after a few visits; others with long-standing problems need a short series and then occasional check-ins. We'll recommend a plan after your exam and adjust it as you improve.

Yes. When performed by a licensed chiropractor after a proper exam, adjustments are considered a safe, low-risk treatment. The most common side effect is mild soreness or stiffness for a day or two, similar to after a workout. Serious complications are rare. Clinical guidelines from the American College of Physicians recommend spinal manipulation as one non-drug option for low back pain.

Adjustments may not be appropriate if you have severe osteoporosis, a spinal fracture, certain cancers, a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, recent spinal surgery, or signs of nerve damage like progressive weakness or loss of bladder control. Tell us about your health history; we'll modify your care or refer you when needed.

People most often see us for low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, tension and cervicogenic headaches, disc problems, mid-back stiffness, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle pain, sports injuries and whiplash.

Yes. If you prefer not to have a manual "crack," we can use instrument-assisted adjustments, drop-table techniques or gentle mobilization. Just tell your chiropractor what you're comfortable with.

Many headaches start in the neck. For tension and cervicogenic headaches, adjustments to the neck and upper back, combined with soft-tissue work and posture changes, can reduce how often and how strongly they come back.

Often, yes, as part of a plan. We use disc-safe techniques and frequently combine adjustments with spinal decompression and nerve-glide exercises. See our sciatica treatment page for more.

Both treat musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractors specialize in hands-on joint adjustments of the spine and extremities, while physical therapists focus mainly on exercise-based rehab. At TruSpine, your plan combines adjustments with soft-tissue therapy and corrective exercises, so you get both.

Not usually. Most people can be safely evaluated with a hands-on exam. If your history or exam suggests something more serious, we'll refer you for X-rays or an MRI before treatment.

No referral is needed. We work with many in-network and out-of-network plans. Call us and we'll check your benefits before your first visit. Payment plans are available too.

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Afterward, stay gently active, drink water and follow the exercises we give you. Mild soreness for a day or two is normal; ice or heat can help.