7 Types of Chiropractic Adjustments
There are seven main types of chiropractic adjustments and they are: The Diversified Technique, Spinal Manipulation, The Thompson Drop-Table Technique, The Gonstead Adjustment, The Activator Method, Flexion Distraction, and Spinal Decompression.
Chiropractic adjustments are a natural, drug-free approach to helping patients alleviate pain and gain more mobility. When the spine is properly aligned, the nervous system works correctly and strain on the back and neck is significant reduced.
Chiropractic adjustments are very effective at restoring joint function and mobility, which leads to increased range of motion and reduced pain.
7 Common Chiropractic Adjustments & What They Do
1. The Diversified Technique
The diversified technique has 3 main purposes, and they are to restore spinal alignment, repair joint disfunction, and ensure proper movement and mobility. Using hands-on thrusts with extreme precision, practitioners can restore spinal alignment and increase a patient’s range of motion which may be affected by misaligned joints or bones. This technique is widely used, with 96% of all chiropractors using the Diversified Technique on approximately 70% of their patients.
- Pain Type Treated: Lower back pain, neck pain, headaches.
- Complementary Exercise:
A video demonstration of the Diversified chiropractic adjustment.
2. Spinal Mobilization (aka Spinal Manipulation)
Spinal mobilization, also called manual therapy or spinal manipulation, is utilized by both chiropractors and physical therapists to relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. While spinal mobilization is a “manual therapy technique” similar to the diversified technique discussed above, it utilizes more gentle thrusting motions and involves more stretching.
- Pain Type Treated: Lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica.
- Complementary Exercise:
A video demonstration of the Spinal Mobilization by Dr. Scott Taylor.
3. Thompson Drop-Table Technique
The Thompson Drop-Table technique utilizes a specially designed table constructed of padded platforms fitted with drop mechanisms so the patient can be “dropped” a fraction of an inch as the practitioner applies a quick thrust to complete the adjustment. The gentle dropping motion is comfortable for patients, resembling a light vibration.
- Pain Type Treated: Lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain.
- Complementary Exercise:
A video demonstration of the Drop Table technique.
4. The Gonstead Adjustment
The Gonstead Adjustment is used to restore normal disc alignment and restore maximum mobility. It can be administered with the patient sitting up or lying on their side.
One unique aspect of the Gonstead adjustment is the specificity of the contact point on the chiropractor’s hand can be administered with the patient sitting up or lying on their side as the chiropractor manipulates the lower back or pelvis.
- Pain Type Treated: Lower back pain, sciatica, hip pain.
- Complementary Exercise:
A video demonstration of the Gonstead adjustment.
5. The Activator Method
A small handheld device known as an ‘Activator’ is commonly used by chiropractors to administer a gentle impulse to the extremities or the vertebral segments of the spine. The spring-loaded device is used to adjust the tone of the nervous system and can be used to treat a variety of conditions from headaches to lower back pain issues.
- Pain Type Treated: Headaches, lower back pain, neck pain.
- Complementary Exercise:
A video demonstration of the Activator Technique.
6. Flexion Distraction
The Flexion Distraction technique utilizes a special table that distracts and flexes the spine in a gentle rythmic motion. This technique is commonly used to treat symptomatic disc injuries with back pain and leg pain. The adjustment is pain-free and even considered comfortable making it a great option for patients with recent injuries or extra sensitivity to other adjustments.
- Pain Type Treated: Sciatica, lower back pain, leg pain.
- Complementary Exercise:
A video demonstration of the Flexion Distraction adjustment.
7. Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression could be considered more of a chiropractic technique than an adjustment, but is worth mentioning since it is so effective at treating symptoms of lower back pain that are a result of bulging, herniated, degenerated, and slipped discs. Spinal decompression utilizes a special table that works by carefully stretching the spine promoting the healthy flow of water, oxygen, and other essential fluids into the discs and throughout the spine.
- Pain Type Treated: Lower back pain, sciatica, disc-related pain.
- Complementary Exercise:
A video demonstration of Spinal Decompression.
There are many different types of chiropractic adjustments. Based on your unique needs, Dr. Taylor outlines the best adjustment options to help you reach your health and pain management goals. If you would like to learn more about any of the above techniques, or see what the best treatment option for you would be, call 480-354-2008 or contact us via our online form.
Some common questions regarding chiropractic adjustments
FAQs
Below are some questions that our chiropractors and physical therapists get asked often and are also popular on Google. If you have a question that hasn’t been anwered here, please submit it in the comments below and either Dr. Scott Taylor or Dr. Dan Froerer will provide an answer within 8 hours and email you the answer as well.
What is the best type of chiropractic adjustment?
The best type of adjustment is whatever technique produces the best results for the particular patient. For example, a diversified anterior to posterior thoracic adjustment may be amazingly effective for a 45-year-old 275lb male, but it would not be effective, and maybe even dangerous, on an 85-year-old osteoporotic female. Specific adjustments techniques are not a one size fits all. That why we have different techniques to fit the wide variety of needs of our patients.
How many chiropractic adjustments are there?
IF you were to count all the different techniques, positional set-ups, and personal preferences there are hundreds!
What is the ABC chiropractic technique?
The ABC technique utilizes different adjustment techniques combined with soft tissue and muscle therapy to correct alignment issues in the body.
What does the "ABC" stand for in the ABC chiropractic technique?
Advanced Biostructural Correction™
What is that clicker that chiropractors use?
Most often when patients refer to the “clicker” they are referring to the Activator. The activator is a small handheld device used by chiropractors to manipulate the spine. It uses a small gentle focused amount of force in specific regions to help the spine realign without the need for larger more forceful movements. It is also valuable for regions of the body that are in acute spasms or have other conditions that would prevent a more traditional hand-on adjustment. (Click to see a popup video demonstrating a chiropractic adjustment utilizing the activator)
Can a chiropractic adjustment break your neck?
I suppose anything is possible but with a proper examination, it would be extremely unlikely. Please see a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic for your adjustments.
Can you get too many chiropractic adjustments?
When done by one doctor of chiropractic that is treating you the answer is no.
Are some chiropractic adjustments better than others?
Of course, it depends on the patient’s needs and comfort level.
I personally like the drop table technique, seams like there is less stress on the spine. Great chiropractic techniques article.
The drop table can be very effective especially for patients that are larger in size. It is a very gentle technique that uses the forces of gravity and the drop mechanism on the table to create the adjustment for us.
Thanks for the comment!
Best,
Dr. T
I have had some ongoing lower back pain for some time and mentioned it to my primary care physician who really not very confident on how to proceed. How would I know if a chiropractic treatment is the best solution for my particular type of pain? Can you make a diagnosis or do I need to go to my primary care physician to recommend me to a specific specialist for x-rays before going to a chiropractor? I have heard both good and things about chiropractors but I’ve never been to one. My primary care physician told me that I should get more exercise exercise but when I mentioned that is when I feel the pain she told me not to exercise so now I’m at a loss on what to do and looking for suggestions on how I should proceed. Any suggestions much appreciated, thanks!
As far as exercise goes any doctor that treats a patient’s physical elements or advises a certain therapeutic exercise plan, will do so around specific deficits and or regions of the body that are either weak, or need to strengthen for hyper mobility or muscle atrophy muscle weaknesses. Many things are considered when developing a plan. Most physicians would agree that many exercises that are very popular should not be performed by everyone, especially folks with chronic or subacute pain. So it’s important to get with a qualified professional, whether that is a chiropractor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, sports medicine doctor, etc…, so they can build out a specific plan tailored to your needs. Then, it is important that it is monitored to ensure that you’re performing them correctly and safely and according to the plan. Often patients ask, “Hey, can you give me some exercises and print a sheet for me?” which works well, and we are happy to do it, but we need to be careful because the patients that are asking for those types of exercises are sometimes the exact patients that need the additional support and therapies that go along with those.
I know that isn’t an exact answer, but I hope that helps. if you want to schedule an appointment, we accept most all types of insurance and have affordable self-pay rates. Once I am able to learn more about your medical history and perform a full physical I can give a much more definitive answer.
Once again, I hope that helps a little though!
Best,
Dr. T
Thank you for your comment and kind words.
Thank you for taking the time to check out our post! Glad you liked it.
I saw a chiropractor about a month ago. He used a table but it was pneumatic so I’m not sure if it was the Thompson Technique or not. He said my problem was my sacroilliac joint. He did the adjustment and it was amazing! My back and lg pain was completely gone. I had another appointment in 4 days so I went back & told him how wonderful I felt. He told me to lie on the table. I thought he was just going to check my back out and send me on his way but he did another adjustment. Within 3 hours I statred feeling some pain. It got worse and worse every hour. IU saw him again two days later and he pumped up my lower back but did not do anything else. By day 5 my left glute was in total spasm so when I went to see him he wanted to do dry needling but I said no. Here I am at 3 weeks after he ruined me, but buttocks are tingly numb, the pain in my left leg is about a “4” and it hurts to climb stairs again. I am afraid to go back. He could make matters worse instead of better. I don’t know what to do. What do you suggest?
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. It’s important to remember that while chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial for many, responses to treatment can vary. It seems like your initial adjustment had a positive effect, but the subsequent ones may not have been as beneficial for your condition.
My suggestion would be to have an open and honest conversation with your chiropractor about the pain and symptoms you are experiencing since the last adjustment. It’s crucial for your provider to be aware of all the effects, both positive and negative, that you’ve experienced. This information is essential for them to understand your body’s response to the treatment and to adjust their approach accordingly.
If you are uncomfortable with continuing a specific treatment like dry needling, it’s absolutely okay to express this to your chiropractor. Your comfort and trust in the treatment process are paramount. You can also ask for alternative methods that might be more suitable for your condition.
Remember, the goal is to find the best approach for your health and comfort. It’s important to advocate for yourself and ensure that your concerns and feelings are heard and addressed by your healthcare provider.
I won’t be going back. It would be stupid to trust someone who hurt me so badly. I think he did it on purpose. There is no $$ in seeing a client only once.
No one tells you how much you can be hurt with an adjustment beforehand. Apparently the American Chiropractic Association considers it safe because no one has died. I will be seeing an orthopedist for an “after” X-ray to compare to the before.
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