Types of Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic care aims to keep the spine in alignment, which allows the nervous system to function properly while reducing strain on the muscles and bones. Alignment can be achieved in a variety of ways, each tailored to your body's needs. One advantage of visiting the best chiropractor in Omaha, NE, is that they will frequently be able to perform multiple types of adjustments, allowing them to use the one that best fits your treatment plan. Continue reading to learn about the various types of adjustments that are available.

The Diversified Technique

This type of adjustment focuses on restoring spinal alignment, correcting joint dysfunction, and promoting proper movement and mobility. This is achieved through a series of extremely precise hands-on thrusting motions. The thrusts take one part of your spine and quickly move it to one side. The Diversified Technique is widely used for various conditions that impact the range of motion, with approximately 96 percent of all chiropractors trained in it.

Spinal Manipulation

Manual therapy and spinal mobilization are two terms that may be used to describe spinal manipulation. Chiropractors and physical therapists use the technique to relieve joint pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. While similar to the Diversified Technique, spinal manipulation includes more stretching and uses more gentle thrusting motions.

Thompson Drop-Table Technique

The Thompson Drop-Table Technique requires the use of a specially designed table. The table is made of padded platforms with drop mechanisms that allow the patient to be "dropped" a fraction of an inch during quick thrusts from the provider. The motion is gentle enough for the patient to be comfortable, more similar to a light vibration.

The Gonstead Adjustment

The Gonstead Adjustment is used in patients who are sitting up or lying on their side to restore normal disc alignment and maximum mobility. One aspect of this adjustment that differentiates it from others is that the patient can be in these various positions. This enables the chiropractor to administer a specificity of the contact point on his or her hand, allowing for manipulation of the lower back and pelvis.

The Activator Method

This technique uses a small handheld device known as an "Activator." This enables a chiropractor to deliver a gentle impulse to the spine's extremities and vertebral segments. Activators are spring-loaded that are designed to change the tone of the nervous system, allowing them to be used to treat conditions ranging from headaches to lower back pain.

Myofascial Release

This type of chiropractic adjustment refers to a group of manual procedures used by a chiropractor to relieve tension in the body's fascia. A chiropractor will use sustained pressure with his or her hands to ease stiffness and pain. Myofascial release, according to research, is a very effective treatment in sports medicine.

Flexion-Distraction

Another technique that uses a specialty table is the Flexion-Distraction technique, which is designed to distract and flex the spine in a gentle, rhythmic motion. This method is frequently used to treat symptomatic disc injuries that cause back and leg pain. This table's adjustments are painless and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for patients who have recently been injured or have a high sensitivity to other forms of adjustment.

Spinal Decompression

While spinal decompression is more of a chiropractic technique than a formal adjustment, it is extremely effective at treating symptoms of lower back pain, particularly those associated with disc problems such as bulging, herniation, degeneration, and slippage. Spinal decompression uses a special table that gently stretches the spine, promoting a healthy flow of water, oxygen, and other vital fluids into the disc and throughout the spine.

Extremity Manipulation

This technique is used on joints outside the spine, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. The idea is that by aligning these joints, the spine's stress can be reduced. Extremity manipulation is frequently used to treat carpal tunnel and other posture-related issues.

What Type of Adjustment Should I Get?

There is no one type of adjustment that is best for everyone. Your chiropractor will work with you to determine which technique will lead to better results for you. Age, body type, and injury may all have an impact on what works best for your body. Some chiropractors will also specialize in one technique or be hesitant to practice another.

To ensure that techniques are applied and performed correctly, you'll want to find the best chiropractor in Omaha, NE. Komp Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic in Omaha, NE, provides a variety of techniques as well as skilled chiropractors who can confidently provide them. Call us today to set up a consultation and determine which technique is best for you!