What can a chiropractor do to help me? This is a commonly asked question, but chiropractic adjustment actually helps a wide range of ailments. Chiropractors have a multitude of different adjustments that are tailored specifically for different issues. Here are some of the more common and beneficial chiropractic adjustments!
Spinal Manipulation
This technique involves applying a controlled thrust to specific joints in the spine using either their hands or a special device. The objective of this adjustment is to move the joint more than it usually would. It is used to improve wellness, cognitive ability, energy, and immune function. It is also often used to reduce back pain, specifically lower back pain and neck pain.
Spinal Mobilization
Like spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization is used to improve joint function. Instead of thrusting the joint, spinal mobilization uses slow movement towards the joints endpoint to mobilize the joint. Spinal mobilization is usually used instead of spinal manipulation when the patient is in a lot of pain because spinal mobilization is more specialized towards pain reduction.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is commonly used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder where there is tightness and sensitivity in the myofascial tissue. Pain and lower movement ability are caused by the myofascia being stiff because it is usually flexible. Myofascial release involves the chiropractor massaging the myofascia to find stiff areas. Once the stiff areas have been located, the chiropractor proceeds to massage and stretch the stiff areas to loosen them up. The chiropractor will do this will every trigger point until they feel that there is no more tension in that area. This type of adjustment is most commonly done using just the hands.
Cervical Spine Manipulation
Cervical spine manipulation is most commonly used for patients complaining of upper back, neck, shoulder, and arm pain. It reduces pain and restores/enhances movement in the neck region. Like spinal manipulation, cervical spine manipulation involves applying a controlled thrust to specific joints using either the hands or a special device. This encourages the joint to allow for its normal range of movement.
Functional Technique
Functional technique is not a single adjustment but is actually multiple different adjustments. Adjustments that involve using functional technique different from usual adjustment techniques because the chiropractor does not thrust the joint to help it regain movement. They instead will move the joint just enough to where they can feel a response in the surrounding tissues. They will test this movement in every direction to compare the responses. The chiropractor will then hold the joint until they feel the pressure being released from the tissue surrounding the joint. Functional technique is used to promote movement in the joints.
Traction Table
Traction tables, also called roller tables, are used to restore the proper ranges of movement to the body. This is done by properly aligning the spine so that it can make movement in every direction while also promoting proper posture. They work by putting certain segments of the spine in motion while also stretching other areas that effect the spine such as the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Adjusting the muscles and ligaments is what allows for the table to help form proper posture.
These were just some of the alignment techniques used by chiropractors to promote a healthier body and a better feeling you! There are still many more techniques not displayed here that can be beneficial in a wide variety of situations. It is best to talk to your chiropractor and describe what your ailments are, so that they can make a recommendation on what type of adjustment best suits you.