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Spinal manipulation (or spinal adjustment) is a treatment for joints and muscles in the back and neck that are not functioning properly. The patient is first positioned in a way that the involved joint or joints can be isolated from the others. Then, the chiropractor uses his hands to apply a thrust to the joint. This moves the joint surfaces, and usually results in a popping sound. Many times, back and neck pain is the result of joints that are not moving properly. When a proper thrust is applied to a "stuck" joint, its full motion is restored, and associated muscle tension is decreased. Spinal manipulation is very safe. The risk of injury occurring as a side effect of manipulation is very low, especially when compared to other common treatments for back and neck pain. However, as with all medical procedures, there is some inherent risk. That is why it is important to choose a doctor who is well trained, experienced and licensed to perform manipulation. Chiropractors are able to recognize patients who should not receive manipulation, and to minimize the risk of injury to all patients on an individual basis. Chiropractic doctors have the most formal training in manipulation. In the United States chiropractors perform 94% of all spinal manipulation treatments. There are many techniques which chiropractors can use in spinal adjustments. Some of the most notable techniques include: * Activator Methods - uses the Activator Adjusting Instrument instead of by-hand adjustments to give consistent mechanical low-force, high-speed clicks to the body. Utilizes a leg-length analysis to determine segmental aberration. * Active Release Therapy (Active Release Technique) - soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. * Blair Upper Cervical Technique - an objective upper cervical technique focusing primarily on misalignments in the first bone of the spine (Atlas) as it comes into contact with the head (Occiput). * Cox Flexion-Distraction - a gentle, non-force adjusting procedure which mixes chiropractic principles with osteopathic principles and utilizes specialized adjusting tables with movable parts. * Hole-in-one technique - developed by B.J. Palmer. He, at some point, claimed that the "pure, unadulterated & straight" chiropractors should only treat the upper two cervical vertebrae (C1-C2) , which is the cause of most, if not all, disorders by being misaligned. * Directional Non-Force Technique - utilizes a diagnostic system for subluxation analysis consisting of gentle challenging and a unique leg check allowing the body to indicate the directions of misalignment of structures that are producing nerve interference. A gentle but directionally specific thumb impulse provides a long lasting correction to bony and soft tissue structures. * Diversified - the classic chiropractic technique, developed by D.D. Palmer, DC. Uses specific manual thrusts focused on restoring normal biomechanical function. Has been developed to adjust extremity joints as well. * Gonstead Technique - Developed by an engineer enthusiast turned chiropractor, this technique uses a very specific method of analysis by the use of nervoscopes, full spine x-rays and precise adjusting techniques that condemns "torquing" of the spine, which may harm the Intervertebral disc. * Kale Technique (Specific Chiropractic) - gentle technique which utilizes a special adjusting table that helps adjust and stabilize the upper cervical region surrounding the brain stem. * Logan Basic Technique - a light touch technique that works to "level the foundation" or sacrum. Its concept employs the use of heel lifts and specific contacts. * NUCCA Technique - manual method of adjusting the atlas subluxation complex based on 3D x-ray studies which determine the correct line of drive or vector of force. * Thompson Terminal Point Technique (Thompson Drop-Table Technique) - uses a precision adjusting table with a weighing mechanism which adds only enough tension to hold the patient in the "up" position before the thrust is given. * Toggle Recoil Technique - a quick thrust and release to the upper cervical vertebra, the recoil is to allow the vertebra to oscillate into its proper position. |
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Advanced Chiropractic Care Of South Florida |
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Chiropractic Physician |
561-432-1399 |
