Manual spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment, reduce nerve interference, improve mobility, and support your body's natural healing. The foundation of chiropractic care.
What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?
Chiropractic adjustments are precise, controlled forces applied to spinal joints that have become misaligned or restricted in their movement. These misalignments — called subluxations — can compress nerves, limit range of motion, cause pain, and interfere with your body's ability to function and heal properly.
During an adjustment, Dr. Sim or Dr. Ji uses their hands or a specialized instrument to apply a quick, targeted thrust to the affected joint. This restores proper alignment, relieves nerve pressure, reduces inflammation, and allows the surrounding muscles to relax.
The result is improved mobility, reduced pain, and better communication between your brain and body through the nervous system. It's not just about cracking your back — it's about restoring your body's structural foundation so everything works the way it should.
At Wilshire Center Chiropractic, every adjustment starts with a diagnosis. We take X-rays, perform a thorough evaluation, and identify the specific vertebrae that need correction. We never adjust blindly or use a one-size-fits-all approach.
How It Works
Each adjustment is tailored to your specific spinal findings and condition.
Before any adjustment, Dr. Sim or Dr. Ji reviews your X-rays and performs hands-on palpation to identify exactly which vertebrae are misaligned, restricted, or causing nerve compression. Your posture, range of motion, and symptom patterns are all factored into the treatment plan.
Using manual hands-on techniques, the doctor applies a controlled, specific force to the targeted joint. The adjustment is quick, precise, and tailored to your body. Different techniques are used depending on the area of the spine and your individual needs — from traditional diversified technique to gentler low-force methods.
After the adjustment, the doctor reassesses joint mobility and nerve response. You may receive supplementary therapies such as electrical stimulation, ice, or therapeutic exercises. Progress is tracked at every visit to ensure your treatment plan is working and adjusted as needed.
What It Treats
Chiropractic adjustments are effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions.
Whiplash and collision injuries
Nerve compression and lumbar issues
Cervical misalignment and tension
Post-accident neck trauma
Disc bulge and protrusion
Athletic strain and recovery
Posture-related strain and stiffness
Why Wilshire Center
The quality of an adjustment depends entirely on the skill and approach of the doctor.
We take X-rays and perform a thorough evaluation before your first adjustment. We identify exactly what's wrong — and adjust only what needs to be adjusted. No guesswork, no cookie-cutter protocols.
Dr. Sim and Dr. Ji provide care in both English and Korean, ensuring every patient fully understands their diagnosis, treatment plan, and what to expect. Clear communication leads to better outcomes.
Adjustments are most effective when combined with complementary therapies. We integrate SpineMED decompression, shockwave therapy, rehabilitative exercises, and ergonomic guidance for comprehensive, lasting results.
"I've been to several chiropractors in LA, but Dr. Sim is different. She actually took X-rays, showed me exactly what was wrong, and explained her treatment plan step by step. After 6 weeks of adjustments, my chronic neck pain that I'd had for years is finally gone. Her adjustments are precise and she never rushes through appointments."
Google Review · Adjustment Patient
Common Questions
Yes, the popping or cracking sound during an adjustment is completely safe. It's called a cavitation — the release of gas bubbles from the joint fluid when the joint is gently separated. It's the same mechanism as cracking your knuckles. The sound doesn't indicate anything breaking or damaging, and not all adjustments produce this sound.
Frequency depends on your condition and goals. Acute injuries may require 2-3 visits per week initially, tapering as you improve. For maintenance, many patients come once or twice a month. Dr. Sim will create a personalized plan based on your X-rays, examination, and how your body responds. We never recommend more visits than necessary.
Your first visit includes a comprehensive consultation, physical examination, posture analysis, and typically on-site X-rays. The doctor will explain your findings, discuss your diagnosis, and perform your first adjustment if appropriate. You may feel immediate relief, or it may take a few sessions. Some mild soreness for 24-48 hours after your first adjustment is normal.
Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment and nervous system function through manual adjustments. Physical therapists focus on rehabilitation through exercises and movement training. Both are valuable and complement each other. The key difference is that chiropractors can diagnose conditions, take X-rays, and perform spinal manipulations that physical therapists cannot.
Yes, chiropractic care is safe for children and adolescents. Pediatric adjustments use much gentler force — often just light fingertip pressure. Children can benefit from care for posture issues, sports injuries, growing pains, and general spinal health. Dr. Sim will always discuss the approach and answer questions before treating younger patients.
Yes. While most patients seek care for pain relief, proper spinal alignment affects your entire nervous system. Patients commonly report improvements in sleep quality, energy levels, range of motion, posture, headache frequency, and overall well-being. When spinal misalignments are corrected, nerve communication improves throughout the body.
Book your first visit for a comprehensive evaluation. We'll take X-rays, assess your spine, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.