The myth of “putting the vertebra back in place” — and finally leave that atlas alone

Many people think that a “vertebra has slipped out” and needs to be “put back in place.” But that is not how the spine works.

Author: Dr. Elfana Suleymanova Medically reviewed

Vertebrae neither slip out of place nor are they put back by hand. An osteopath works not with the bones but with the muscles, fasciae and nervous system. Once this tension is released, the vertebrae return to their natural movement on their own.

The feeling of lightness after a session does not come from a “blow” but from restoring the body’s balance and its self-healing capacity.

1

What does the cracking sound mean?

A cracking sound can be produced from almost any part of a normal spine, and each region makes its own distinctive sound. So how does a person know whether something has really been “fixed,” or whether the spine has simply cracked? Even when everything is in place, this sound can be produced — and it does not mean that anything has been corrected.

2

The key point

If a vertebra is “blocked” or is not moving, there is always a reason for it. Something is holding it. And that is precisely what needs to be addressed — not “putting it back in place.” If the cause remains, no “thrust” will help.


We look not at where the pain is, but at where it comes from.
— Dr. Elfana Suleymanova, Center Director · Internist and osteopathic physician

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