Are All Patients Adjusted the Same Way?

Short answer is NO! Chiropractors go to school for 8 years to be able to individually diagnose and treat each patient. While some adjustments may look similar, each patient is adjusted to correct their exact problem. Patients can present with a variety of symptoms and conditions which have been accumulating over time. These symptoms include headaches, back pain, neck pain, TMJ, stiffness, wellness care, sports and athletic injuries, etc. Depending on your presenting conditions, chiropractors will have a care and treatment plan specific to your needs.

The popping sound is another question that typically follows. Short answer is a popping sound is not needed to make an adjustment. The popping sound is gas being released from the joint, but does not determine a good or bad adjustment. It is just a sound. As an alternative, we have other modalities and tools to accomplish the adjustment just as effectively!

Some patients prefer manual adjusting (with the chiropractor’s hands). This is called Diversified Technique where the chiropractor finds areas within the spine that are not moving or are ‘stuck’ called a subluxation. The chiropractor will then correct the subluxation using their hands. This can at times cause a ‘popping sound.’  Other patients prefer or require the use of tools like a gentle activator, arthrostim, or drop table. One reason for this would be osteoporosis where the bones are softer than ideal. An Activator is shaped like a pogo stick and makes a clicking sound. It is used instead of the chiropractor’s hands for the adjustment. There is no twisting or popping associated with the Activator, but it still accomplishes the same goal. A personal favorite of mine is called the Arthrostim. The Arthrostim is a tool used to restore motion within the body. I find it especially effective for people who are stiff or have tight muscles! People with muscular pain, athletes, or people who spend prolonged periods of time sitting, especially benefit from the Arthrostim. It is used along the length of the spine and comfortably calms the muscles down. Finally, we have a Drop Table adjustment. WIth a Drop Table adjustment, the patient lays face down. You will feel the table raise and lower beneath you as the chiropractor performs the adjustment. This allows the chiropractor to use less force during the adjustment and has been found particularly effective with arthritis, disc herniations, and spondylolisthesis. Chiropractors are able to help you in a variety of ways to ensure you have the best results!

At Alpine Chiropractic, we take an individualized approach to your health. Our goal is to get you on the path to wellness. To accomplish this goal, our primary focus is motion. Motion determines life, and life determines motion! Motion in the body is one of the most effective ways at dictating the health of the spine. Lack of motion is the first indicator there is a problem. Once we gauge how much motion you have,  we will use a variety of techniques mentioned above to restore movement throughout your body.