Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques – Which One is Right for You?

Chiropractic adjustment techniques vary, but most have a similar end goal — to restore movement in stuck spinal joints (and extremity joints in other parts of the body) so that nerve signals can flow normally again. While most chiropractors adjust the spine, they also work to reposition and mobilize joints in the hips, knees, feet, wrists, and shoulders. Regardless of the exact technique used, most chiropractors use controlled force to manipulate the joint into alignment. As a result, it’s common to hear popping noises during this process, much like cracking your knuckles, but on a much larger scale.

The most well-known adjusting technique is called the Diversified method, and it’s usually what most people think of when they imagine a chiropractic adjustment. It involves the chiropractor moving a patient’s neck and back into different positions to identify misalignments. The doctor will then make a quick thrust by hand to correct the misalignment. This thrust often produces a popping sound, which comes from the release of trapped air.

This is a normal part of the treatment and isn’t anything to be concerned about. A chiropractic adjustment can relieve pain, improve spinal motion, and provide a more mobile lifestyle. Getting adjusted regularly can help maintain proper posture and prevent the onset of back pain, headaches, and migraines.

Another popular chiropractic adjustment is the Gonstead technique, which is more precise and direct than the Diversified technique. This is one of the first adjustments that many chiropractic students learn. It relies on a detailed table with a series of segments that drop down at the same time the chiropractor delivers a thrust, allowing the chiropractor to control the amount of force that’s applied. The lower-back and pelvic adjustments are particularly effective with this technique.

For more specialized cases, the chiropractor may use blocks under the patient to isolate specific sections of the spine. He or she will then manipulate the segment through its full range of motion. This technique is typically used to treat lumbar disc herniations, non-disc spinal disorders, and increase mobility of spinal joints.

There are other, more gentle adjusting methods as well. One is the Thompson technique, which uses a special table with segments that can be cocked up a fraction of an inch, which allows the chiropractor to distract the joint during the adjustment by using less manual force. Another is the Cox flexion/distraction method, which uses mechanical and hands-on manipulation and can be applied to the spine as well as extremities. While home remedies can help with some neck pain, for the best results, a trip to your local Atlanta chiropractor is recommended.