ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Joint manipulation

Joint manipulation is when someone moves your body parts in a certain way to help relieve pain or make you feel better. It's like when you play with Play-Doh and you squeeze and stretch it to change its shape.

Have you ever seen someone crack their knuckles or neck? That's a type of joint manipulation. But don't worry, unlike cracking your knuckles, joint manipulation is a gentle and controlled movement that doesn't hurt.

A person who performs joint manipulation is called a chiropractor. They use their hands to move joints in your spine, arms or legs to help relieve pain and discomfort.

Think of it like playing with a toy. When a toy is not moving properly, it might need a little push or a twist to make it work better. Similarly, when a joint in your body is not moving properly, a chiropractor can gently move it to really help it feel better.

It's important to note that joint manipulation should only be done by a trained professional, because the wrong move can actually hurt you rather than help you.