Chiropractors are trained specialists who use their hands in conjunction with specialized instruments to manipulate the spine and correct misalignments. This is known as chiropractic adjustments. There is a range of adjustment methods that chiropractors use to reduce pain and improve motion and physical function, which you can learn more about here.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating problems associated with the neuro-musculoskeletal system, meaning the nervous system, joints, and muscles. They typically see patients experiencing back or neck pain, headaches, and those challenges with mobility. However, the whole-body system can work better with a properly functioning nervous system.
This is because a misalignment in the spine, trapped nerve, or joint problem can lead to malfunctions in other body systems, resulting in symptoms such as pain, tenderness, inflammation, weakness, reduced motion and function, and imbalances within the body. Persistent pain and discomfort can have a significant impact on day-to-day activities and overall quality of life.
Chiropractors aim to restore, preserve, and optimize health using non-invasive, natural hands-on care. They ensure your body is functioning as optimally as possible by manually adjusting or manipulating the spine, and in some cases, the extremities. Different adjustment methods are used, which help to increase blood flow and nerve conductivity to the muscles and other tissues that are experiencing symptoms. The techniques aim to reduce pain and discomfort, enhance mobility and joint function, and promote overall wellness.
What Adjustment Methods Are Used?
A chiropractic adjustment involves applying a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint to improve spinal motion and improve your body’s physical function. Usually, chiropractors use their hands when performing these adjustments, but specialized equipment may also be used to assist in the process. Treatment is customized to suit a patient’s specific needs. Therefore, each patient’s treatment may be slightly different.
The most common adjustment methods include:
Spinal Manipulation/Mobilization
Spinal mobilization is a common and primary chiropractic intervention method. The aim of spinal manipulation is to restore and improve joint function in the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic areas of the spine. Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate, massage and mobilize the spine and other tissues to activate the joints and improve mobility. It typically uses a gentle thrusting motion along with stretching and is less forceful than some other adjustment methods.
Diversified Technique/Direct Thrust Technique
The diversified technique is another common chiropractic adjustment method that aims to restore alignment and proper range of motion in the spine and correct joint dysfunction. The technique involves the chiropractor using their hands to apply a rapid thrust or impulse to a part of the spine, such as the thoracic spine. They do this by quickly moving it to one side with a rapid, high-velocity thrust.
Gonstead Technique
The Gonstead technique is a manual method that is used to adjust the lower back or pelvis and restore normal disc alignment and mobility. This effective method is used to relieve pain and inflammation and promote realignment of the spine. It’s typically done while the patient is lying on their side or sitting up.
Drop/Thompson Technique
This technique utilizes a specialized table, constructed of padded platforms, that can drop by small increments. As this occurs, the chiropractor applies pressure in a thrusting motion to complete the adjustment of the patient’s spine or extremity.
Flexion Distraction
Flexion distraction is used for several lumbar-spine conditions, such as lower back pain, symptomatic disc injuries, and sciatica. The method also uses a special table and flexes the spine in a rhythmic motion, while at the same time, the chiropractor manipulates the position of the spine. The technique aims to reduce pressure on the spinal nerves, improve motion in the spine, and help discs function properly by allowing essential nutrients to reach them during the spinal adjustment.
Activator Method
This method involves using a small handheld device (activator)that administers a gentle, quick, low-force impulse to help manipulate specific vertebrae in the spine or the extremity joints. It is regarded as a softer chiropractic adjustment technique that can help alleviate a variety of conditions, from back and neck pain to pain in the extremities and headaches.
GrastonTechnique
This technique utilizes a stainless-steel instrument to detect and treat problems with muscles and connective tissues, such as areas where there is a formation of scar tissue. The instrument is rubbed along a specific area to mobilize soft tissue and relieve symptoms.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression utilizes a specialized table to carefully stretch the spine and promote the healthy flow of oxygen and nutrients into the discs and throughout the spine. The technique can help alleviate symptoms of lower back pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs.
In addition to physical adjustment methods, a chiropractor may also provide patients with nutritional and lifestyle advice, as well as a personalized exercise program to improve spine health.
Chiropractor in Grand Junction, CO
If you are experiencing pain and would like to learn how chiropractic care could benefit you, visit WorkPartners Occupational Health, a walk-in chiropractor in Grand Junction. Our experienced chiropractor, Dr. Angello, uses a variety of treatment modalities and adjustment methods to successfully relieve pain and restore function to improve patients’ overall well-being.
If you would like to find out more about how you can benefit from chiropractic care or to schedule an appointment, call us at (970) 241-5585, or request an appointment online.
