Chiropractic's Different Approaches Explained

You've probably heard that chiropractors can help with back pain, but did you know that a chiropractic adjustment may also help your immune system, increase your energy, and hasten your recovery?

Chiropractors offer various services to help with physical problems, including headaches and back pain. The advantages of seeing a chiropractor in Gilbert are well-known, both physically and mentally, and emotionally. But how do you know which chiropractic treatments are appropriate for you?

The following are a few of the most frequent chiropractic techniques and how they work.

What Does a Chiropractor Do, and How Does It Work?

Let's begin with the absolute basics. A chiropractor is a healthcare practitioner specializing in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular problems. They use their hands to straighten or manually adjust the spine and other extremities.

Chiropractors are usually sought after by individuals experiencing neck pain, back pain, or difficulties with mobility. Chiropractors may also recommend patients to do specialized exercises or adopt healthy routines to keep their spines healthy, which means a healthier self.

Chiropractors often use their hands when performing adjustments, although they may benefit from the equipment. Each patient's treatment is unique, but there are specific methods that all chiropractors are trained in.

Chiropractic Treatment Techniques 

Familiarizing yourself with the most popular chiropractic techniques can assist you to feel more at ease before your first encounter with a chiropractor. If you know what to anticipate, the experience is less stressful. All chiropractors have their methods, depending on their patient's knowledge and the problem.

However, the following six methods are some of the most frequently utilized chiropractic techniques in the United States.

1. Flexion-Distraction

Chiropractors employ Flexion-Distraction when treating various conditions, including lower back pain, herniated discs, and sciatica.

This approach targets various parts of the spine, including the sternum and joints. The overall aim is to improve spinal mobility and address any disc bulges or hernias. A specific table is required to perform flexion-distraction that allows the chiropractor to adjust the patient's spine position. The chiropractor will employ manual therapies to relieve pressure from the disc in addition to the table's motion.

The motion also aids in the delivery of essential nutrients to the spinal discs, which keep them healthy and functioning correctly. This method decreases pressure on spinal nerves, which frequently causes pain or discomfort. Another advantage of this approach is that it causes no discomfort.

2. Gonstead Technique

The Gonstead technique, developed by Dr. Clarence Selmer Gonstead, is an adjustment method for realigning the spine. It's one of the most precise and successful methods for alleviating pain and encouraging spine alignment.

Chiropractors use a hands-on method (manual) to adjust the lower back or pelvis. It's done while the patient is lying on their side. This posture allows chiropractors to refix joints that might be producing discomfort, stiffness, or restricting a person's total mobility.

This method is used by chiropractors all the time, and it's covered in almost every chiropractic school program. 

3. Activator Method

The Activator Method is meant to help with back and neck pain and limb (extremity) pain. The chiropractor employs a particular activator adjusting tool in this method.

The main advantage of this instrument is that it allows chiropractors to identify specific damaged areas with a quick, low-force pulse. The speed prevents the body from tensing up, typical when using other manual manipulation approaches.

Another significant advantage of this procedure is that the pulse is applied to a specific, limited region, preventing joints from bending or being placed in potentially harmful postures. 

4. Extremity Manipulation

As the name implies, this approach focuses on the joints outside of the spine. Physical manipulation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle joints is one example of extremity manipulation.

This method can be utilized for a variety of issues. However, it's popular among individuals with carpal tunnel or posture-related issues. This procedure is designed to alleviate spine stress by aligning the joints outside of the spine and promoting natural mobility.

Depending on your sensitivity and the condition of your joints, this method may cause some discomfort.

5. Spinal Manipulation/Mobilization

This is the most frequently used chiropractic method. Spinal manipulation aims to restore and enhance joint function in the spine.

Spinal manipulation employs a slow thrusting motion with stretching to loosen and stretch the joints. Compared to other, more forceful thrusting methods, this approach is a mild form of manipulation.

6. The Drop Technique

The Thompson technique, also known as the Drop technique, is a unique table that can drop by tiny amounts as the chiropractor applies pressure in a thrusting motion to realign a person's spine or other extremities.

On the other hand, the soft drop makes the patient feel as though they are vibrating rather than being lowered. This minimizes any pain or discomfort during the adjustment. Many thrusts may be required to complete a total spinal manipulation.

Chiropractors often need to examine a person's legs and how their length relates to the pelvis and spine to utilize this approach.

Back to Comfort

Chiropractic adjustments are recognized for reducing pain and discomfort and promoting overall health by improving mobility and joint function. Taking care of your back can make all the difference between aging gracefully and constantly dealing with aches and pains.

Take advantage of the Gilbert chiropractors' skills with these easy yet effective solutions! A skilled chiropractor will explain the significance of spinal health and guide you through each method.