
What Treatment Methods Do Chiropractors Use?
- 1. Manipulations. One of the common methods that you will experience at almost all chiropractic is manipulations. In this treatment, they give a quick ...
- 2. Stretching and Exercises.
- 3. Nutritional counseling.
- 4. Lifestyle modifications.
- 5. TENS.
What are the best chiropractic techniques?
Chiropractic Techniques
- Flexion Distraction. Chiropractors use the flexion distraction is a technique for several lumbar-spine conditions, including lower back pain, disc injuries, and sciatica.
- Gonstead Technique. The Gonstead technique, named after its founder, is an adjustment method used to realign the spine. ...
- Activator Method. ...
- Extremity Manipulation. ...
What are the different types of chiropractic techniques?
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Therapeutic Stretching
- Spinal Traction
- Soft Tissue Manual Therapy
- Muscle Stimulation
- Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Ice and Heat
- Diet and Nutritional Counseling
- Lifestyle Modification
How effective is chiropractic?
The Mid-Michigan based treatment center leads the way in providing game-changing solutions to in-depth chronic health conditions, including Neuropathy, Sciatic Nerve Pain, Headaches & Migraines along with many other ailments that could be due to spinal nerve interference and irritation.
What are the dangers of chiropractic care?
The Most Common Side Effects are:
- minor discomfort in the area of treatment (i.e., neck or lumbar spine)
- headaches
- nausea
- fatigue
- dizziness
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What methods chiropractors use?
Three Methods Chiropractors Use to Treat Back PainManual Therapy. Manual therapy is what the layperson most often associates with chiropractic care. ... Soft Tissue Therapy. ... Exercise Therapy and Self-Management.
How many methods of chiropractic are there?
There are about 200 chiropractic techniques, most of which are variations of spinal manipulation, but there is a significant amount of overlap between them, and many techniques involve slight changes of other techniques.
What chiropractic method is best?
There are many chiropractic methods doctors use, but the Gonstead procedure is the most effective. It helps to detect where the pain comes from before the chiropractor administers treatment. Once in our lifetime, we might experience pain in the spine.
What are methods chiropractors use when treating back pain?
What Chiropractic Methods Are Used To Treat Low Back Pain?Toggle drop. ... Motion palpation. ... Lumbar roll. ... Release work. ... Table adjustments. ... Instrument adjustments. ... Manipulation with anesthesia. ... Flexion-distraction technique.More items...•
What is Gonstead method?
Gonstead chiropractic assessment utilizes several methods of examination to analyze multiple factors, which, as effectively as possible, uncovers the primary characteristics of intervertebral disc lesions, intervertebral and full spine and pelvis alignment, as well as neurological ramifications of vertebral subluxation ...
Why do chiropractors have different techniques?
A Doctor of Chiropractic is trained in a variety of techniques when offering chiropractic care. Each technique offers benefits including reduced pain, increased spinal mobility and overall improved range of motion. One technique does not fit all, so Dr.
What is the Palmer technique?
The Palmer method stimulates the spine via a “hole in one” method that consists of using X-rays to locate the atlas' exact position, and then systematically manipulating the atlas in various directions until its proper place is found.
What adjustments can chiropractors make?
Treatment that a chiropractor may offer includes: Adjustments: To gently realign joints to decrease pain and increase range of motion. Soft-tissue therapy: To relax tight muscles, relieve spasms and release tension in the connective tissue that surrounds each muscle (fascia).
What is Activator Methods chiropractic Technique?
The Activator Method chiropractic technique uses a spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical instrument called the Activator adjusting instrument. This instrument allows chiropractors to provide a quick, low-force impulse at specific points.
How do chiropractors adjust backs?
To perform the adjustment, your chiropractor will gently thrust his or her arm at the spine using a controlled force, velocity and angle to make the necessary manipulation to the client's spine. Before the adjustment, you will typically lie facedown on a chiropractic table.
What is the popping tool that chiropractors use?
An activator adjusting tool is a popping tool that helps chiropractors realign specific parts of your spine. With a small amount of spring-loaded force, vertebrae snap back into place, helping relieve pain and inflammation.
Is torque release technique effective?
Torque Release Technique is a completely safe chiropractic technique for children of all ages, whether an infant or a kid in their teen years. Because it is so gentle, it relieves pressure, and it is exceptionally effective.
What are the different types of chiropractic care?
Take a look at a few of the most common chiropractic modalities that you may find: Massage Therapy . Ultrasound Therapy.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is often associated with treatments that affect the spine and nervous system. Many people fail to realize that there is more associated with this field of care than a simple adjustment on your vertebrae. The different chiropractic modalities can play a big role in your overall treatment and care.
What is low level laser therapy?
Low-level Laser Therapy. One of the newer chiropractic modalities that is being offered is low-level laser therapy. You may have heard this referred to as cold laser therapy instead. The laser used in this process takes therapeutic light and delivers it straight into your muscle tissue.
How does massage help with back pain?
This helps to address any underlying issues that may be exacerbating your neck and back problems. More than a relaxation technique, massage therapy is often used to treat a wide range of issues. When it is used as a chiropractic modality, massage can actually help treat some of these issues: 1 Frequent headaches or migraines 2 Muscle issues such as sprains and strains 3 Back or neck pain 4 Arthritis 5 Tendonitis 6 Stress-related injuries
What is ultrasound therapy?
At times, this is used in conjunction with massage therapy for more intense healing to your tissues. 3. Interferential Current.
What is the best way to heal a spinal injury?
Massage Therapy. At the end of a long week, there is nothing more satisfying than a good massage. Chiropractic care has expanded to offer massage therapy as a way to promote faster healing. By massaging the soft tissues of your body, you can reduce inflammation that leads to spinal problems.
What is cervical traction?
Cervical Traction. Many of the chiropractic modalities are suitable for any type of pain, but cervical traction is specifically aimed at the neck. Cervical traction allows you to stretch the vertebrae in your neck by gently tugging the head away from the neck.
What are the most common techniques used by chiropractors?
However, the six techniques below are some of the most commonly used practices among chiropractors all over the country. 1. Flexion Distraction.
What is a chiropractor?
Let's start with the basics. A chiropractor is a type of health care provider that focuses on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders. They work by manually adjusting or manipulating the spine and other extremities.
What is the drop technique?
The Drop technique, also known as the Thompson technique, uses a unique table that can drop by tiny increments as the chiropractor applies pressure in a thrusting motion to adjust a person's spine or other extremities.
What is a chiropractor's position?
This position allows the chiropractor to realign joints that could be causing pain, stiffness, or limiting a person's overall mobility. .
What is spinal manipulation?
The goal of spinal manipulation is to restore and improve joint function in the spinal column. . Spinal mobilization uses a gentle thrusting motion along with stretching to activate the joints and improve their mobility.
What is the activator method?
Activator Method. The Activator method technique is indicated for use to alleviate back and neck pain as well as pain in the extremities (area s outside of the spine). To use this technique, the chiropractor uses a specific activator adjusting instrument.
What is flexion distraction?
Chiropractors use the flexion distraction is a technique for several lumbar-spine conditions, including lower back pain, disc injuries, and sciatica. The goal of this technique is to increase overall spinal motion and fix any disc bulges or herniations.
What is the most common intervention used in chiropractic?
Spinal manipulation gained mainstream recognition during the 1980s. In this system, hands are used to manipulate, massage or otherwise influence the spine and related tissues. It is the most common and primary intervention used in chiropractic ...
What is chiropractic manipulation?
Chiropractors primarily use manipulation of the spine as a treatment. It was founded in North America by DD Palmer in the 19th century. Spinal manipulation became more popular in the 1980s. There are about 200 chiropractic techniques, but there is a significant amount of overlap between them, and many techniques involve slight changes ...
What is Atlas Orthogonal Technique?
Atlas Orthogonal Technique is an upper cervical chiropractic treatment technique created by Frederick M. Vogel and Roy W. Sweat in 1979. It is a technique which uses a percussion instrument in attempts to adjust what is measured from specific X-rays and found to be a vertebral subluxation. It is based on the teachings of B. J. Palmer, who advocated the Hole-In-One version of spinal adjustment. It is primarily used by straight chiropractors. Referring to the origins of upper cervical techniques, Dan Murphy, DC, DABCO, wrote: "Over the past 100 years, the practice of chiropractic has branched into dozens of specialty techniques. However, historically, for a third of this time, from the 1930s into the 1960s, the predominant practice of chiropractic involved primarily the upper cervical spine."
What is a divergent technique?
Diversified technique is a non-proprietary and eclectic approach to spinal manipulation that is commonly used by chiropractors. The technique, as it is applied today, is largely attributed to the work of Joe Janse Diversified is the most common spine manipulation technique used by chiropractors, with approximately 96% of chiropractors using it for approximately 70% of their patients. Diversified is also the technique most preferred for use during future practice by chiropractic students. Diversified is the only spine manipulation technique taught in Canadian chiropractic programs. Like many chiropractic and osteopathic manipulative techniques, Diversified is characterized by a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust. It is considered the most generic chiropractic manipulative technique and is differentiated from other techniques in that its objective is to restore proper movement and alignment of spine and joint dysfunction.
Who invented the rub technique?
The method was started by David Graston and employs a collection of six stainless steel instruments of particular shape and size, which are used by practitioners to rub patients' muscles in order to detect and resolve adhesions in the muscles and tendons.
Who uses upper cervical techniques?
It is primarily used by straight chiropractors. Referring to the origins of upper cervical techniques, Dan Murphy, DC, DABCO, wrote: "Over the past 100 years, the practice of chiropractic has branched into dozens of specialty techniques. However, historically, for a third of this time, from the 1930s into the 1960s, ...
Is spinal manipulation effective?
Spinal manipulation is generally regarded as cost-effective treatment of musculoskeletal conditions when used alone or in combination with other treatment approaches. Evidence supports the cost-effectiveness of using spinal manipulation for the treatment of sub-acute or chronic low back pain whereas the results for acute low back pain were inconsistent.
What are some exercises chiropractors can do?
Just like with the exercises, your chiropractor will show you how to perform the stretches, and won't let you do them on your own until you're comfortable with them. -back to top. 3. Spinal Traction. Spinal traction is very popular with many chiropractors.
What is a chiropractor's treatment for headaches?
It’s most often used to treat back, neck, shoulder and headache pain. Chiropractors can use it to treat other discomforts too , such as menstrual pain and sinus problems. However , that's not the only type of therapy your chiropractor may use when you visit them.
What do chiropractors do for pops?
It's used to relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.
What are the health problems that chiropractors can help with?
Poor diet and nutritional imbalances contribute to several serious illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Your chiropractor is trained in diet and nutritional counseling, so this is someone you can trust to guide you down the right path.
What is the best treatment for swollen joints?
7. Ultrasound. Believe it or not, ultrasound is used as a chiropractic therapy technique. This is a form of deep heat therapy created by sound waves. When applied to soft tissue and joints, the sound waves are a form of micro-massage that helps reduce swelling and increase blood flow.
How does a chiropractor help you?
Your chiropractor will use a variety of treatment options, like the ones detailed above, to help your body heal. The range of treatments work together so you can return to a healthy, pain-free life. Your chiropractor is trained to treat you as an entire person, not just the symptoms you suffer from.
Does electrical stimulation help with muscle spasms?
There are a variety of types of electrical stimulation, with some used to reduce inflammation, some for muscle spasm, and some for pain relief. Some will cause your muscles to contract to reduce muscle atrophy. Some forms of electrical stimulation will even have a combination of effects, providing multiple benefits. 6.
What is the best technique for a chiropractor to help with leg length discrepancies?
This is incredibly beneficial for older individuals and patients with severe pain. While utilizing the activator technique , chiropractors often pay close attention to leg length discrepancies, as this can have a significant impact on the spine and pelvis. 2. Graston Technique.
What does a chiropractor check for?
That means your chiropractor will check the muscles, joints, and bones above and below your pain symptom to see if your nagging injury is just a front for an issue that is actually occurring someplace else.
What is the goal of spinal decompression?
3. Spinal Decompression. The goal of spinal decompression is to stretch and relax the lumbar spine. Patients lie on a traction table that may or may not be motorized which allows the spine to bend and stretch.
What is sacro occipital technique?
Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) is actually a form of spinal mobilization, but it does, in fact, use an instrument. This technique is used by chiropractors to assist in realigning the pelvis. The way it works is the chiropractor will place a wedge under the patient's pelvis and apply a little low-force pressure.
What is the purpose of spinal mobilization?
Spinal mobilization is similar to spinal adjustments, but the thrust used by the chiropractor tends to be a little gentler. The goal is still the same as spinal manipulation -- to restore and enhance joint movement and help realign the body.
What is the appeal of chiropractic care?
Part of the appeal of chiropractic care is the natural and noninvasive approach they take to their treatment methods. That means no surgery and no potentially addictive medication . Instead, with chiropractic care, you receive treatment that is manual and holistic.
What is the sound of a chiropractor?
A common occurrence during spinal adjustments, which chiropractors are especially known for, is the "popping" sound made during the treatment. This cavitation is entirely healthy, expected, and draws the chiropractor's attention to areas that needed the adjustment.
What is the primary focus of a chiropractor?
While, of course, this type of chiropractor still wants to reduce symptoms and make patients feel better, their primary focus is on removing the subluxation and restructuring the spine to improve the body’s wellness. In short, the traditional wellness chiropractor seeks to address the root cause of the symptoms.
What does a chiropractor do?
They may provide rehabilitation therapy, massage, physical therapy, and even nutritional supplements during care. In the public’s eye, this type of chiropractic care can confuse patients and make it difficult to determine what the chiropractor’s role is in the healthcare community.
What is a musculoskeletal chiropractor?
Musculoskeletal chiropractors is a type of chiropractor also known as symptom-relief practitioners. More often than not, these symptoms include back pain and headaches. These types of practitioners manipulate the spine in an effort to free fixations, decompress the joints, and ultimately reduce or eliminate pain.
What is subluxation chiropractic?
A subluxation is a misaligned vertebra that interferes with the nerve impulses from the brain that allow all parts of the body to function effectively.
What is mixed chiropractic?
Mixed chiropractic care represents a mixture of both non-chiropractic and non-therapeutic approaches. This is traditionally an older approach to care. In this case, the chiropractor treats many different types of medical conditions using a variety of treatment types. They may diagnose medical conditions and use non-chiropractic treatment approaches like acupuncture, naturopathic care, and homeopathy.
What is the purpose of chiropractic care?
The purpose of this approach is to reduce symptoms and offer pain relief as quickly as possible.
What is non-therapeutic straight chiropractic?
Non-therapeutic objective straight chiropractic care does not mix chiropractic care with any other type of technique. The objective-straight chiropractor has only one simple objective: treat vertebral subluxation. This is the more modern approach to maximizing the body’s performance with chiropractic care.
What kind of machine do chiropractors use?
For major issues that aren’t measured by any other device, chiropractors may resort to using an x-ray machine . X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to produce a digital image of the patient’s bones. This machine identifies significant bone, joint, and tissue issues.
Why do chiropractors use sound waves?
These machines use sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. This is a vital tool for chiropractors because it helps them understand why patients feel bone and joint paint. With the help of this machine, chiropractors can pinpoint your issues and help remedy them quicker.
What is a chiropractor table?
Chiropractor Table. The tool you’re probably familiar with the most is the chiropractor table. However, you may be unaware that chiropractors usually have several tables on hand for different techniques. Elevation tables, for example, help lift patients without physical effort from the physician.
What is EDS in chiropractic?
An electrodermal screening (EDS) device helps chiropractors understand the specific needs of their patients. These devices detect energy imbalances on acupuncture points of the body. The electrical energy measurement helps target inflammation and other imbalances.
What is a spine analyzer?
To fully understand the state of a patient’s spine alignment, chiropractors have a spine analyzer in their office, which analyzes alignment. This device is large but portable. It analyzes factors such as posture and alignment to determine spinal treatment. This also helps determine whether a patient has scoliosis.
What is activator adjustment tool?
An activator adjusting tool is a popping tool that helps chiropractors realign specific parts of your spine. With a small amount of spring-loaded force, vertebrae snap back into place, helping relieve pain and inflammation.
What is a chiropractor's job?
First, a chiropractor will target the spinal cord, as a means of aligning the back. Since the spine runs from the back’s base right up towards your neck, it needs to be worked on diligently.
How to help a chiropractor with back pain?
Method #2: Physical Therapy . Physical therapy is a very common method chiropractors use when treating back pain. While some motions may be vital for overall recovery, your chiropractor may also conduct physical therapy . It is similar in vein to the various bodily adjustments mentioned previously, but conducted differently.
Can chiropractors treat back pain?
Although chiropractors have their own solutions to treat back and neck pain, this is a mutual tool shared by many. Instant back and neck pain can be experienced when this treatment is applied. Again, don’t be too alarmed by the sound of popping; this means it is working as intended!
Is chiropractic good for back pain?
Many chiropractic treatments are beneficial when trying to solve every day, physical issues. Since back and neck pain is considered to be the most common, rest assured that you are in good hands. Sooner than later, you’ll be feeling the positive effects on a daily basis!
Is soft tissue massage good for joints?
Although it is similar in vein to a deep tissue massage, this chiropractic treatment has its own, unique benefits. Soft tissue therapy can be seen as more therapeutic than its counterpart, as it focuses on various muscles and ligaments. Sometimes, our joints may become inflamed, due in part to multiple reasons.
Can a chiropractor massage your muscles?
Chiropractors will first try to pinpoint where exactly the source of pain is coming from. Once located, the massages applied can penetrate the muscles deep enough to induce a medicinal effect. Not only can these massages stimulate regular blood flow, but they can reinvigorate the flexibility of your muscles again!

Commonly Used Treatments
Stretching and Exercises
- If you are going through repetitive strains, it means that your body is not healthy. Therefore, you have to make sure that you remain fit and your body is in continuous motion. And to do so, the doctor will prescribe some exercise, probably stretching. These exercises make certain areas of the body move and act as physical rehabilitation. Thus, they improve your health and reduces str…
Nutritional Counseling
- It is also beneficial for some of the problems like repetitive strains. If your diet is not proper, you will have a poor nutrition level in your body. This nutritional imbalance will result in putting strain on your muscles and nerves. Thus, you get the pain. But such pains are only an early symptom, it can cause many complex diseases like diabetes, heart problems and cancer. Therefore, it is imp…
Lifestyle Modifications
- The cause of our pains is several. Sometimes, it’s our sitting postureand sometimes it’s our lifestyle habits that deteriorate our health. Our lifestyle choices become our habits and affect our health. After years of repetitive practices, we feel the pain. That is why elders have ill health. Firstly, because they are not as strong as a young person. Secondly, because of the lifestyle, the…
Tens
- This is the transcutaneous electric nerve simulation technique. This is done through a small unit that operates through the battery. So your chiropractic will tell you how to use and you can take it to your home. So if you have to get TENS daily, you won’t have to come to the clinic. In this technique, electrical impulses are sent to treat the pain. The intensity of the current varies with t…
Ice and Heat Therapy
- Ice therapy is quite effective against swellings. Therefore, it is used for pain relief after injuries. Heat therapy works on muscles. Heat relaxes the muscles and increases blood circulation. Thus, it reduces pains. Furthermore, it is quite effective against chronic pains. Your doctor may use a combination of both, depending upon the problem.