The following are some of the most common chiropractic techniques and how they work. Being familiar with the most common chiropractic techniques can help you feel more comfortable before your initial interaction with a chiropractor. When you know what to expect, the experience is less overwhelming. Chiropractors use flexion distraction is a technique for various lumbar spine conditions, including back pain, intervertebral disc injuries, and sciatica.
The aim of this technique is to increase the total spinal movement and to correct intervertebral disc bulges or herniated discs. To use flexion deflection, there is a special table that allows the chiropractor to manipulate the position of the patient’s spine. Along with moving the table, the chiropractor uses manual techniques to remove pressure from the intervertebral disc. The Gonstead technique, named after its founder, is an adjustment method for realigning the spine.
It is known to be one of the most precise and effective ways to relieve pain and promote optimal spinal alignment. The Activator method technique is indicated for relieving back and neck pain, as well as pain in the extremities (areas outside the spine). To use this technique, the chiropractor uses a special instrument to adjust the activator. As the name suggests, this technique involves manipulating the joints outside the spine.
For example, limb manipulation may require physical manipulation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle joints. These chiropractic techniques are known to reduce pain and discomfort and promote overall well-being through improved range of motion and joint function. Manipulation of the spine is the entire process of spinal adjustment and involves “retraining” the spine and surrounding muscles to adapt to a healthier functional state. Manipulation of the extremities can be used on all other joints outside the spine.
It is beneficial to restore mobility to the limb joints, which reduces the burden on the spine. There are many different chiropractic techniques. Some chiropractic doctors perform joint manipulations only with their hands, while others use various instruments. In addition, some chiropractors handle quick but firm manipulations, while others have a lighter touch.
After an injury, therapeutic stretching is an excellent way to prevent scar tissue from forming. Spine traction is very popular with many chiropractors. Spinal traction involves applying traction devices to specific areas of the spine. These various helpful treatments are of no use if you are unsure whether or not you should get chiropractic treatment.
With the development of studies, treatments and technologies, the range of treatments and the various types of chiropractic care has evolved. The first group (the therapeutic or “mixed”) chiropractic is the older approach based on a split from the basic principles of chiropractic care about a century ago. Chiropractic was once a fringe medical practice, but because research has proven its effectiveness, it’s as widely used as the dentist. While the following chiropractic questions have no correct or incorrect answer, an understanding of chiropractor techniques can help the patient better assess whether there is a good patient-chiropractor fit.
References:
- The 10 Different Types Of Chiropractic Therapies
- Understanding The Different Chiropractic Techniques
