It’s common knowledge that chiropractors help relieve back pain, but there are more benefits to explore. Chiropractors use different types of chiropractic adjustments to improve your body’s condition, which helps support your immune system, boost your recovery, and increase your energy.
You may ask, “are chiropractic adjustments safe?” — Yes, as long as trained and licensed professionals perform them. The benefits of chiropractor visits are well-documented. Whatever you need for pain relief, a specific type of chiropractic adjustment will fit your needs.
How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?
First, let’s get some facts straight. Chiropractors are health care providers who focus on diagnosing and alleviating neuromuscular disorders.
In general, chiropractors work by manually manipulating or adjusting the spine and other extremities. Since many people seek out chiropractors due to problems in mobility and pain, they also advise patients on lifestyle changes and rehabilitation exercises to ensure a healthier spine and body.
Chiropractors use their hands to perform adjustments, while some use equipment to assist them in the process. They also use different types of chiropractic adjustments to address their patient’s specific needs.
Different Chiropractic Adjustments
Now that you have answers to the question, “how do chiropractic adjustments work,” another thing to keep in mind is that there are over 100 types of chiropractic adjustments, and each works differently.
Depending on the patient’s condition, chiropractors may use specific techniques and prefer some over others. Here are some of the most commonly used types in the country.
1. Flexion Distraction
Also known as “Cox Technic,” chiropractors use this chiropractic adjustment technique to treat facet joint pain and several lumbar spine conditions, including sciatica, lower back pain, and disc injuries. It involves stretching your back gently and adjusting your cranium to align the spine properly.
2. Gonstead Technique
The Gonstead technique involves a thorough inspection and realignment of the spinal region to reduce pain and inflammation in affected areas. Here, the chiropractor adjusts the lower back or pelvis with the patient lying on their side. It is recognized as one of the most precise and effective chiropractic adjustment techniques for pain relief and optimal spinal alignment.
3. Activator Method
This involves using a specific activator that adjusts the nervous system’s tone to alleviate pain in the neck, back, and extremities. The instrument allows chiropractors to locate specific affected areas using a short, low-force pulse.
4. Extremity Manipulation
As the name implies, this type of chiropractic adjustment involves physically manipulating the joints outside the spine like the elbows, hips, shoulders, wrists, ankle joints, and knees.
Chiropractors use this technique to treat posture-related issues or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Its main premise is: by aligning the joints outside the spine, one can promote healthy mobility and reduce stress on the spine.
5. Spinal Mobilization/ Manipulation
Spinal mobilization involves a gentle thrusting motion paired with stretching to activate joints and enhance mobility. Chiropractors use this chiropractic adjustment technique to improve and restore function in the spinal column. Compared to other thrusting techniques, it offers a gentler form of manipulation.
6. Drop Technique
Also known as Thompson Terminal Point, Drop Technique uses a unique treatment table with drop mechanisms to facilitate joint movement. The table drops in tiny increments as the chiropractor applies pressure to adjust the individual’s spine or extremities. The subtle drops feel like vibrations, which help reduce the patient’s pain and discomfort. A chiropractor may apply multiple thrusting motions for this type of chiropractic adjustment to achieve full spinal manipulation.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
The different types of chiropractic adjustments are considered safe, given that they are performed by a professional trained in chiropractic care. They are known for reducing pain and discomfort while promoting overall wellness through joint function and enhanced mobility.
In general, chiropractic manipulation is a safe, natural way to manage pain and improve your overall health. Chiropractors rely on their hands or special instruments to apply controlled pressure; spinal manipulation sometimes requires stronger pressure, depending on the patient’s needs.
Using spinal manipulation requires years of schooling and practice before chiropractors are given a license for public practice. With several safety measures and precautions involved, risks are incredibly rare in professional hands.
When they do occur, however, serious complications usually take the form of:
- vertebral artery dissection (a specific type of stroke following neck manipulation)
- spinal nerve compression
- slipped or herniated disc complications
For safety purposes, chiropractic treatment may not be suitable for patients with pre-existing conditions like:
- bone structure abnormalities
- cancer of the spine
- severe osteoporosis
- bone abnormality in the upper neck
- tingling, numbness, or loss of strength in extremities
Visit A Chiropractor Today
Take advantage of the pain-relieving benefits of chiropractic adjustments from the experts themselves.
A good chiropractor promotes your spinal health and overall wellness with the appropriate application of various types of chiropractic adjustments. Whatever you need for physical pain relief, our team at Advanced Chiropractors Groups can connect you to the best professionals for chiropractic treatment. Start your journey back to comfort by giving us a call today.
