CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUES
7 Types of Chiropractic Adjustments.
A natural, drug-free approach to alleviating pain and gaining more mobility — tailored to your body and comfort level.
OVERVIEW
Proper alignment. Less strain.
There are seven main types of chiropractic adjustments: 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 significantly reduced.
Chiropractic adjustments are very effective at restoring joint function and mobility, which leads to increased range of motion and reduced pain.
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
Experience a Real Chiropractic Adjustment
Every patient receives personalized care based on their symptoms, mobility, and overall health. In this video, Dr. Scott Taylor demonstrates a chiropractic treatment using flexion-distraction therapy and targeted spinal adjustments while explaining how each technique is selected to meet the patient’s specific needs.
OUR TEAM
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
COMPLIMENTARY EXERCISE
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
COMPLIMENTARY EXERCISE
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
COMPLIMENTARY EXERCISE
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
COMPLIMENTARY EXERCISE
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
COMPLIMENTARY EXERCISE
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
COMPLIMENTARY EXERCISE
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
COMPLIMENTARY EXERCISE
“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.”
To learn more about any of the above techniques, or see which treatment option is best for you, call us today.
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.