Methods of Chiropractic Care

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Going to the chiropractor can be for a variety of reasons. While chiropractors typically focus on our backs, they are truly joint specialists that help to keep our bodies and joints in proper alignment. However, the effects of chiropractic care extend far beyond our joints. Chiropractic adjustments have been used to help a diverse group of ailments that include back and neck pain, pregnancy issues, ear infections, weight loss, digestive issues, and many more. The issues that can bring you into the office are as diverse as the methods to care for them, but here we’ve compiled a list of five common methods or techniques for the care of neck or back pain.
 

Diversified Technique

The diversified technique is likely to be used by your chiropractor if you are experiencing neck or back pain that is caused by a herniated lumbar disk. This is one of the most common methods used by chiropractors and offers almost instant relief for the patient. It is commonly associated with the popping or cracking of joints that allow for the release of the gases trapped in the joints which allow for reduced pressure on the joint and the nerves that pass through it.

Flexion-Distraction

Flexion-distraction involves stretching the spine along the axis to help bring the spine back into alignment. This method is used in patients who have scoliosis, joint pain, or other specific back pain ailments. This technique helps to reduce pressure on the spine from a bulge or a disk herniation in the lumbar spine, increases spinal motion, and reduces symptoms of sciatica. Typically, chiropractors will have a special table that is used just for this technique.

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Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy is the use of therapeutic massage that is targeted at the muscles and ligaments that are connected to the spine. This helps to allow the spine to shift back into a proper position or reduce the tension that is placed on the spine.

Active Release Technique (ART)

Active Release Technique is used to break restrictive adhesions within the soft tissue by shortening the area and lengthening it under tension thus improving flexibility, balance, and stability.  Myofascial release techniques are performed to loosen the tightened band of connective tissue that surrounds and separates muscle fibers.

Applied Kinesiology

Kinesiology, also known as biomechanics, is the study of body movement. Applied kinesiology (AK), which is also known as muscle strength testing, is a method of diagnosis and treatment to examine how a person’s body is functioning. Specific muscle weaknesses can be an indication of the body’s imbalances and symptoms. By correcting the muscle’s weaknesses you can help your body function optimally.

When properly applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best form of therapy for the patient. Since AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies, it provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is an evidence-based treatment technique that requires effective manual assessment of the neuromuscular system in the treatment of trigger points for persons with muscles, tendon, nerve, ligament, and fascial pain. Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a filiform needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. Physicians are well trained to utilize dry needling in conjunction with manual physical therapy interventions. Research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of muscles and nerves, and facilitates an accelerated return to pain free activity.

Cupping

Overview

Chiropractors have many tools at their disposal to make sure that your body is functioning correctly and you are feeling your best. If you are experiencing neck or back pain, consider scheduling an appointment today.