Diversified technique: This technique focuses on the motion of individual segments. If an area of the spine is restricted or has decreased motion an adjustment is applied by hand to the segment to restore the motion. A restricted joint in the spine can lead to degeneration and postural changes.
Thompson technique: This technique focuses on leg length analysis to determine where the subluxations or misalignments exist. The adjustment is made by hand using a segmental drop table to help reduce muscle guarding and allows for a quicker and smoother correction of restricted joints.
Activator technique: Like Thompson, this technique focuses on leg length analysis along with using particular movements and motions to determine where in the body subluxations or misalignments exist. This technique utilizes an instrument to make the adjustment, rather than by hand. This technique is the gentle way of adjusting and is a great alternative for anyone who does not like the “crack” or “pop” sound that can be heard with the other techniques.
Webster technique: This technique is used primarily used for pregnant women and involves a specific way of analysis and diversified adjustment to reduce the effects of sacral and pelvic subluxation or misalignment, thus improving neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis. The technique proposes that sacral misalignment or subluxation may contribute to three primary causes of dystocia (difficult labor) via uterine nerve interference, pelvic misalignment, and the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. The resulting tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.
The main treatment method of chiropractors is the adjustment. An adjustment is gentle, specific pressure delivered to a vertebral subluxation, correcting neurological interference. A vertebral subluxation is a misalignment in the spine that causes interference with in the communication of your nervous system. The goal of the chiropractic adjustment is to correct the spinal subluxations detected during the examination. To do that, the doctor applies pressure to the bone and “unlocks” it from its improper position. Spinal joints that are not moving correctly can irritate nearby nerves. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these joints, reducing nervous system disruption. Then, health can return.
The adjustment is usually done by hand. It consists of placing the patient on a specially designed adjusting table and applying pressure, using specialized techniques, to the areas of the spine that are out of proper alignment or that do not move properly within their normal range of motion. During an adjustment the joint is moved past its passive range of motion but not past its anatomical limit. An audible “pop” is often associated with the procedure, which is the consequence of gasses being released within joint fluid. Since every patient is unique, each treatment and each adjustment is unique as well. Your age, size and individual spinal problems will determine which adjustment technique will best put you on the road recovery. An adjustment, in physiologic terms, removes the blockage of nerve impulses caused by subluxation or other stresses to allow the body to function naturally.
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
No. Some people can make their joints “pop,” but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific to locked up, non-moving joints.
Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Chiropractic doctors are trained in making adjustments feel comfortable. Different people have different reactions depending on their condition (i.e. presence of swelling and inflammation), the amount of time the condition has existed and the person’s degree of sensitivity. Many people however will feel the following:
Peace and relaxation: After an adjustment you may experience a feeling of deepened peace and relaxation. This relaxed feeling may last for the rest of the day or the week and may lead to deep, refreshing sleep. Others have at times felt a warm feeling flowing to various parts of their bodies, which is very soothing. Some feel very energetic and do all their chores or business that day with a light, happy feeling.
Relief of symptoms: Others may find that their symptoms have begun to disappear, that the problems that they came to the chiropractor for have begun to lessen after the first visit. And, there are some people who feel no difference after an adjustment. That does not necessarily mean that they are not benefiting from their adjustments, it just means that they’re not feeling any external reaction.
Overall improvement: As you continue your chiropractic care and your spine and nervous system continue to release deep seated stress, you may begin to notice better balance, smoother movement, and as a result, more energy and more emotional relaxation. You may spontaneously change your eating habits, feel an increased desire to exercise, go for walks or become more sensitive to your work and leisure.
The most important benefits: However, with all the interest in what is consciously perceived, please remember that the true benefits of the adjustment are usually found below the level of consciousness. It is when the nerve communication to the heart, lungs, joints, skin, eyes, ears and the brain itself are improved that the true benefits of chiropractic are experienced. The true benefits of chiropractic care are the preventive benefits: better night’s sleep, more energy and better nerve system function.
Normally the adjustment not only is painless, but also can provide immediate relief. In cases of recent trauma or severe symptoms, there can be some discomfort due to inflammation. In cases of inflammation, there is sometimes mild soreness in the muscles after the first 1-2 adjustments. This is a similar feeling as if you just started a new workout program. Proper application of ice after the treatment helps to minimize this effect.
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
If you understand how we get subluxations, you will realize that it can take years to repair damages that you received as a child. So if children are checked regularly further damage can be avoided and health maintained. Think of how many falls and bumps and stumbles children receive. Children with conditions such as earaches, colic, bed wetting, scoliosis, “growing pains”, torticollis, and asthma respond wonderfully to chiropractic care.
When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many gentle ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.
The number of adjustments may vary with each patient and their individual goals. Many patients sense progress within two to four weeks of frequent visits. In general, the more chronic a condition, the longer it will take to recover, sometimes months or years depending on the amount of existing spinal damage.
Doctors of Chiropractic undergo a very comprehensive education and training program. As with medical school, entrance to Chiropractic College requires that students first complete an undergraduate university degree. Successful applicants to Chiropractic College must complete an intensive four-year academic program, which is similar in content to medical school. Course work includes a comprehensive study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, orthopedics, neurology, radiology (x-ray), chiropractic technique and more. This prepares chiropractors to be skilled primary contact Health Care Providers, so that no referral is required.
A particular focus of chiropractic education is on the diagnosis and treatment of nerve, muscle and joint (neuromusculoskeletal) disorders in order to reduce pain and discomfort, stimulate healing, restore normal biomechanics and nerve function, and improve overall health. Students undergo hundreds of hours of training in spinal adjustment. Since an emphasis is placed on holistic health, students receive extensive training in exercise, nutrition, disease prevention and wellness. Chiropractic students are trained to recognize conditions which are beyond the chiropractor’s scope of practice and which require referral to another practitioner.
To ensure that graduating doctors of chiropractic are equipped with the highest level of practical education, skills and clinical experience, part of a chiropractor’s training involves several hundred hours of internship in which they treat patients on an outpatient basis while under the supervision of experienced clinicians.
Upon graduation, chiropractors are required to pass rigorous national and state board exams in order to receive a license to practice chiropractic in that state. Once licensed, chiropractors attend continuing education programs in order to maintain a high level of clinical competency and technical skill.