In chiropractic adjusting, what does the term vector refer to?

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In chiropractic adjusting, the vector is about how the thrust is aimed—the direction and line of drive of the thrust relative to the spinal segment. It describes the orientation of the impulse through the joint, including the angle and path used to influence motion at that segment. This choice matters because different directions engage different joint surfaces and tissue alignments, producing distinct effects on movement and joint function. The other aspects—speed of the thrust, area of contact, or force applied by the patient—are separate concepts: speed refers to tempo or impulse, contact area is where the hands contact the patient, and patient-applied force isn’t what defines the thrust’s direction and path.