Chiropractic adjustments alleviate back pain and promote function by restoring joint mobility, increasing blood flow, and improving nerve conduction. These procedures, also known as spinal manipulations, feature a controlled, sudden force applied to a joint. Most chiropractors use several different adjustment techniques, depending on the patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

What Are the Common Types of Chiropractic Techniques?

1. Activator Technique/Artho-stim 

The activator method or the artho-stim employs the use of a handheld instrument to deliver low-force impulses. This technique is typically used for elderly individuals, and for infants.  The reason for that, is because it is a very gentle and controlled technique.  This technique is widely administered to alleviate back pain, neck pain, and migraines.

The instrument often looks like a gun or drill with a head that pulses rapidly back and forth. The head can come in different shapes to disperse the pressure differently. A flat shape will disperse the pressure evenly across the muscle, while a cylindrical one is best for deep tissues.

2. Gonstead Technique

The Gonstead technique uses short-lever adjustments that are applied to targeted areas of the spine. It’s a simple technique that can quickly reduce pain and increase mobility.

Practitioners pinpoint misaligned vertebrae and ask patients to move into specific positions, such as on their side, to apply an appropriate level of pressure and restore alignment.

3. Flexion Distraction

Sometimes called the decompression manipulation, this method was developed by Dr. James M. Cox to address concerns such as scoliosis and herniated discs. It realigns the spine and restores vertebral mobility with gentle stretching motions, performed with a special decompression table.  

4. Thompson Technique

Also known as the drop table technique, this approach uses slight drops to apply quick, forceful adjustments. The chiropractor administers a sudden force while the patient falls a fraction of an inch onto a padded table. It’s used to address issues throughout the body, including the ribs, shoulders, arms, knees, and spine.  

5. Diversified Technique

Finally, the diversified technique is the most popular chiropractic adjustment. It uses a low-amplitude, high-velocity thrust that often leads to joint cavitation, which is the collapse of air bubbles which form within joints. This typically results in a cracking sound similar to when you crack your fingers or neck.

If you’re experiencing persistent back or neck pain, migraines, or another concern that could be addressed through chiropractic adjustments, turn to Hastings Family Chiropractic. Led by dedicated chiropractors Dr. Troy Wilson and Dr. Hannah Doyle, this practice has been serving Adams County, NE, for more than 25 years. Find out more about their chiropractic approach online or call (402) 463-1955 to schedule an appointment.