Articles
Chiropractors adjust the spine to correct the subluxation complex . The most common method used is adjusting by hand, or manual spinal manipulation. This involved a very short, quick and controlled push and usually results in a "click" as the stuck joints move.
The adjustment is usually painless and most patients enjoy the adjustment, particularly because they associate it with a sense of relief and increased well-being.
The effect of the adjustment is to restore normal joint motion and normal neurology.
Manual adjusting is an art. In addition to years of schooling, and many hours of postgraduate training, it took me a full year of practice after I graduated to fully master spinal and extremity adjusting. It takes skill to know how much force is necessary to move a joint, and no more, particularly considering the wide range of body types.
Low force techniques are used for patients who may not tolerate manual adjusting. These include patients in severe pain, babies, patients with osteoporosis or certain other medical conditions, or patients who are anxious about manual adjusting. These techniques include:
- Activator adjusting. The activator is a small tool which delivers a small but focused force to release joint fixations and restore normal motion. There is no "crack." Many patients find this less stressful than manual adjusting.
- Arthro-Stim. This is a form of electronic adjusting which delivers 12 mild adjusting pulses a second to vibrate stuck joints and give a strong stimulation to the joint motion receptors causing a "neurological adjustment." It is also very helpful in restoring normal motion in backbending (extension) -- overcoming the effects of slumped posture.
- Respiratory Assisted Adjusting. This is an extremely low force technique in which the doctor, after determining the exact location and direction of force needed, holds gentle pressure in that direction while the patient breathes in a specific pattern until the joint releases.
- Craniosacral Techniques. These techniques involve sensing and working with subtle holding patterns in the head (cranium), spine and whole body. There is no thrusting involved. Craniosacral release can be assisted by using the mechanical vibration of the Percussor to drive the process of tissue release.
- Cox flexion-distraction is a method of adjusting that is also low force. It uses
a special table that is hinged at the pelvic section, allowing the doctor to apply a strong, but very specific and controlled traction to an individual spinal segment to open the joint and relieve disc compression. It is especially useful for lumbar disc herniations and degenerative disc disease or very stiff low back conditions.
© 2008 George Manlove, DC All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the
opinions of Dr. Manlove, unless otherwise noted. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one
relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as
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the research and experience of Dr. Manlove. Dr. Manlove encourages you to make
your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with
a qualified health care professional.
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