No. Each patient’s care is unique and customized to meet their specific conditions and needs. Treatment plans are also based on your pain. Numerous spinal adjustment types and techniques depend on the patient’s medical history, age, size, and weight. Spinal adjustments done by chiropractic restore the normal healthy motion and position required by each spinal segment and do not injure or weaken the muscular and ligaments structures of the spine.
Getting adjusted by your local chiropractor is one way to help you heal your body when suffering from lower back, shoulder, or neck pain without drugs or surgery. The primary purpose of chiropractic care is to identify spinal subluxations, which are misalignments causing nerve stress, and reduce or correct them.
How Do Chiropractors Diagnose Your Condition?
You will first undergo the initial new patient examination, which involves your medical history and physical examination. Chiropractors will also use technologies such as spinal thermal scanning and electromyography. X-rays are also commonly used to check and reveal;
- The internal structure and alignment of the spine
- Underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine such as spinal deterioration or abnormal spinal development
- Arthritis of the spine
- Bone spurs
- Disc disorders
- Tumors and spinal curvature
These analyses will help to determine your specific condition and the need for chiropractic care. Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor will choose the best technique to treat your condition.
The word chiropractic derives from the Greek word ‘performed by hand.’ Chiropractors use a gentle and painless procedure known as a spinal adjustment to correct the cause of many health problems.
When Should I See a Chiropractor?
You may want to see a chiropractor if you want to live a more health-conscious life or if your job requires you to sit for extended periods. If you have the following symptoms, you may also need to see a chiropractor:
- Muscle and joint pain and stiffness
- Chronic back pain
- Neck pain
- Numbness and tingling sensations
- Soles of your shoes wear out differently
- Rib pain
- Limited range of motion
- Arm or leg pain
- Whiplash
- Headaches (migraine and chronic)
- Recent work and sports injury
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is an art of using a specific low force in a precise direction, applied to a subluxated joint, meaning it is “locked up” or not moving correctly. This natural and safe procedure aims to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system, improving spinal function, reducing pain, and improving health and wellness. Gentle spinal adjustments also boost your body’s immunity.
Examinations before Chiropractic adjustments are vital to avoid certain severe conditions like spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition that causes the vertebrae to slip out of place onto the vertebra below it. Gentle adjustments are administered painlessly and within your comfort zone.
Even though it may seem as if the chiropractor is adjusting people using similar techniques, every patient is adjusted differently within the same technique. Based on your needs, the chiropractor identifies which of your joints is subluxated, judges the direction to adjust, and chooses the appropriate point of joint contact. The chiropractor will then perform the adjustment by thrusting in a specific vector, force, and speed. Adjustments vary depending on joint restriction, skeletal maturity, and body type. Adjustments are executed based on the needs of the spine and diagnosis.
What Is a Subluxation?
Subluxations are problem areas of your spine that affect your entire nervous system. It occurs when a spinal vertebra is out of position compared to other vertebrae, possibly resulting in functional loss. This irritates or puts pressure on the nerves, interfering with the communication between your brain and body. It may involve your muscles, discs, ligaments, tendons, and other body parts as well.
What Causes Subluxations?
Spinal problems can be caused by everyday stresses and strains like lifting, gardening, housework, or sleeping on the couch. It can also be caused by auto accidents, falls, and sports activities. Subluxation in children occurs during birth, learning to walk, play, and other childhood activities.
What Are the Signs of Subluxations?
The most common symptoms are headache, back pain, neck stiffness, and shoulder, arm, or leg pains. Other signs are numbness in your hands and feet, fatigue, or nervousness.
What Causes the Popping Sound During an Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones of either side of a joint. The popping noises produced are caused by gas released from the joint and are painless and harmless.
Which Manipulation Techniques Do Chiropractors Use?
Chiropractors may use the following manipulation techniques for various purposes such as:
Cox Distraction Manipulation for The Lumbosacral Spine
This is a technique used to relieve spinal pain as fast as possible. The method is performed on the Cox Table, specifically designed for the technique to be carried out.
The Drop Table Technique
This technique is also known as the Thompson technique and commonly treats lower back pain. It is suitable for adjusting pelvic and sacroiliac joints. The table can drop by tiny increments as pressure is applied in a thrusting motion to adjust the spine while keeping you comfortable.
Manual Adjusting (Diversified) Technique
This technique corrects misaligned spinal segments in the back or neck. It is the most common form of manipulation technique. Manual adjustment usually results in popping sounds associated with a chiropractic adjustment.
The Activator Technique
This treats lower back pain, headaches, and neck pain. The technique involves using a small hand-held spring-loaded adjusting instrument that allows your chiropractor to treat affected areas with quick, low-force impulses.
Gonstead Adjustment Method
This common hands-on technique involves rigorously analyzing the spinal region and realigning the spine. This alleviates pain, inflammation, and mobility in the affected areas. It is performed while sitting up or lying down. The Gonstead method treats chronic neck and back pain and pelvic or hip misalignments.
Can I Have a Say in My Chiropractic Adjustment?
Yes, you can. Chiropractic care is patient-centered, and your preferences should be taken into consideration. Chiropractors determine the areas that need to be adjusted. They take into account how you prefer to be adjusted to meet your needs for the best results.
For more information please contact Anderson Integrated Health Center.
