7 Types of Chiropractic Adjustments

Has your back or neck been giving you trouble? If so, then you may need to schedule an appointment with your chiropractor. It’s not unusual for people to be a little unsure of what to expect during their treatment process. If you ever visit a chiropractor, you’ll quickly learn that there is more than one way to adjust your spine and neck for pain relief.

Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most commonly used chiropractic adjustments and how they are done. Each type of adjustment can provide relief and may be more suitable for certain injuries or pains. 

Why Do Chiropractors Use Different Spinal Manipulation Techniques?

Before we get into the different types of techniques, we should discuss why a specific adjustment may be better for certain people. And, depending on the goal of the adjustment, different techniques may be used on the same person at different times.

If there is an injury being addressed, the type of adjustment will take that into consideration. And some people simply respond better to certain methods based on their pain tolerance or how well their spine responds to the adjustments. Your chiropractor will discuss the best solutions for your needs and can provide a complete explanation of why a certain method may be better for you. 

1. Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation or spinal adjustment is one of the most common types of adjustments that chiropractors offer. To perform spinal manipulation, the chiropractor uses a combination of thrusts and stretches to activate the joints. It’s a more gentle type of manipulation that works to improve the joint function in the spinal column. People experience a reduction in pain and better movement following these treatments.

2. Diversified Technique

The Diversified Technique is another common types of adjustment. The chiropractor places pressure on the impacted joints one vertebra at a time. This technique often leads to the “popping” noise that patients may hear, which is just gas being released from in between the joints. The diversified technique has 3 main purposes: restore spinal alignment, repair joint dysfunction, and to provide proper movement and mobility.

3. Thompson Drop-Table Technique

The Thompson Technique, also known as the Drop technique, uses a table that drops in small increments as the chiropractor applies pressure to the patient’s spine. Because the table drops slowly, it feels more like a vibration to the patient, and so no pain is usually felt during the treatment. It’s not unusual to need several thrusts to get back in full alignment. To effectively use this method, the chiropractor will have to consider the length of the patient’s legs in how it correlates with the spine and pelvis. 

4. Gonstead Adjustment

The Gonstead adjustment technique is used to realign the spine and reduce pain. This hands-on method is done when the patient is lying on their side, and the chiropractor adjusts the lower back. This is an extremely common method that most chiropractors use. Additionally, the Gonstead technique does not just utilize manual manipulation of the spine, but also the use of an instrument called a nervoscope that helps the chiropractor find the places that are inflamed, causing nerve pressure on the spine. 

5. Activator Method

To do the activator method, the chiropractor uses a special tool called an activator adjusting instrument to pinpoint targeted areas of the spine that may be in pain. One of the best benefits of this method is that the instrument pulses so quickly that people don’t have a chance to tense up as much as they might with other methods. 

6. Flexion-Distraction

Flexion-distraction may be used to relieve pain from disc injuries, sciatica, or lower back pain. A special table is used to allow the chiropractor to manipulate the patient’s spine by using the motion of the table and manual techniques. This method is used to increase spine motion and correct herniated or bulging discs. This method is often preferred because it doesn’t cause any pain. 

7. Spinal Decompression

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a type of motorized spinal traction that reduces the pressure on the spinal discs. This is done by gently stretching the spine for a period of 15 to 30 minutes per treatment. Sometimes patients need several treatments spread over the course of many weeks depending on their needs. Spinal decompression is not an adjustment that chiropractors use, but instead is a technique that is commonly used to treat lower back pain and spinal disc issues. 

Contact Village Chiropractic for a Consultation on the Best Chiropractic Adjustment for You

If you are experiencing pain in your back or neck, then you may need a chiropractic adjustment. As you can see, there are many options available and there is a solution that may work better for you than others. It’s important that you know your options. at Village Chiropractic. We can walk you through your treatment options and discuss which options are best for you. We look forward to working with you to get you back to feeling better.