Treatments
There is a wide variation of techniques used by different chiropractors.
Chiropractors focus on dysfunctions that can result from irregularities of spinal structure or movement. They rely heavily on hands-on procedures to determine structural and functional problems, and they use manipulation to promote normal bodily function correcting or preventing these structural deviations.
The principal procedure used by many chiropractors is a form of manipulation known as adjustment that refers to a variety of manual mechanical interventions.
There are about 55 adjustments in a chiropractor's repertoire.
Some of them are:
• Manipulation - movement of short amplitude and high velocity that moves the joint beyond where patient's muscles could move the joint by themselves but short of ligament rupture.
• Mobilization - movements administered by the clinician within physiologic joint space in order to increase overall range of motion.
Spinal Adjustment
A spinal adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones to gradually move to the normal position. The purpose of this chiropractic procedure is for improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and overall improved health.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some spinal adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the variety of spinal adjustment procedures, and spinal manipulation.
There are hundreds of ways or techniques to adjust the spine. Each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in a variety of adjustment procedures that are most suitable for your age, body type and condition.
Some of the most common chiropractic techniques used today are:
• Gonstead Technique:
Detailed analysis of spinal X-rays is used to determine correct adjustments to be administered.
• Activator:
Detects and corrects dysfunction using a small tool which delivers a light and measured force to correct misalignments. It is used to gently and painlessly move the vertebrae.
• Cox Flexion Distraction:
Involves traction or stretching of the spine designed especially to correct lower-back pain.
• Applied Kinesiology:
Applied Kinesiology deals not only with the placement of bones, but with the muscles that hold them in position. Chiropractors employing applied kinesiology use special techniques to help balance opposing muscles attached to a misaligned bone. Light massage is given to various reflexes and sometimes to acupressure points. This restores normal muscle function, in order to allow the adjustments to be more effective.
• Thompson Terminal Point:
A full spine technique using a special drop table.
• Palmer Toggle Recoil Technique:
A speed and precision adjustment in which the hands are placed over the subluxation and the elbows snapped to give sudden pressure. There is no joint cracking.
• Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT):
Padded blocks are placed under the patient in the pelvic area to allow the body to adjust itself, since muscle tension at the pelvis affects the neck.
• Logan Basic Technique:
A gentle, sustained pressure is exerted at the base of the spine. Correcting the sacrum corrects the rest of the spine.
• Orthotics:
Custom-made devices placed in the shoes to treat posture problems, such as uneven leg length, spinal curvature and tilted pelvises.
• Motion Palpitation:
Joints felt as they are moved to determine fixations.