Spinal Manipulations are probably the most recognized and used technique by chiropractors which is usually what separates Chiropractors from other health professionals. It is a technique where a joint is brought to its end range and then a very small, quick movement is directed to further gap the joint.  This allows the joint capsule and surrounding tissues to be stretched allowing for a greater range in motion. As well, this quick thrust, which differentiates it from a mobilization, creates a neurophysiological effect to the surrounding area to help reset and relax the muscles in the area leading to improved motion, decreased tension, and decrease stiffness.

What is that "cracking" sound? Spinal Manipulations also create the famous cracking sound heard when a joint is manipulated. It is the same sound that is heard when someone "cracks" their knuckles, their back, their hip, their foot, etc. The joints in your body are pressurized and contain fluid with dissolved gases, and when the joint is gapped, these gases are rapidly released out of the fluid.  A common example is opening a champagne bottle or pop bottle.  Both are pressurized and when opened, release gases creating the popping sound.  Within 20-30 minutes, the gases redissolve back into the fluid.

Mobilizations are gentle techniques, and can be used in addition to or alternatively to manipulations, that take a joint to their end range of motion and instead of a small quick thrust, a gentle, small rhythmic stretch is applied to the joints of the spine.

When people think of manipulations, they picture chiropractors cracking backs and necks.  These manipulations can be used to any joint of the body, such as the foot/ankle/wrist, not just the spine, although some chiropractors focus soely on the spine.