Chiropractic Adjustment

“An adjustment,” to doctors of chiropractic means the specific manipulation of vertebrae which have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally.  The primary goal of an adjustment is to improve spinal alignment and motion, thereby relieving nerve irritation, pressure, and pain. 

The adjustment is usually given by hand.  It consists of placing the patient on a specially designed adjusting table and then applying pressure, using specialized techniques, to the areas of the spine that are out of proper alignment or that do not move properly within their normal range of motion.  Particular attention will be paid to that area of your spine where a spinal derangement (subluxation) has been detected.  Once these spinal areas have been adjusted to restore normal movement, the nerve irritability at that spinal level will be reduced, and this will have a positive influence on your area of complaint or discomfort.

You may feel immediate improvement after an adjustment, although most people experience gradual, progressive relief of symptoms.  Since adjustments restore motion to previously locked joints, ligaments and tendons begin to stretch back to their normal length.  This lengthening may cause slight muscle soreness similar to that brought on by rigorous exercise.  If you experience these sensations, be assured that within days you’ll likely be enjoying the benefits of improved spinal motion with less pain that results from a healthier spine.  For the best results, follow the plan that your doctor of chiropractic recommends for you.

There are varied chiropractic adjustment techniques which are effectively employed by your doctor, and the specific procedure to be used will be determined following a careful evaluation of your x-rays and physical findings.  Technique education is a vital component of the Palmer Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum.  The curriculum courses are mostly organized by regions of the spine and include elements of techniques developed by chiropractic innovators, such as Toggle Recoil (developed by Dr. B.J. Palmer), Diversified (developed by Dr. D.D. Palmer), Thompson (developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson) and Gonstead (developed by Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead).