I frequently get asked about different chiropractic adjusting techniques, what affect they have, and why I choose one over another.
There are over 100 different named chiropractic adjusting techniques. Because spinal subluxations have several components, it’s not a surprise that they can be corrected in different ways. That is the beauty, and sometimes confusion, about chiropractic – adjusting techniques can vary significantly from one chiropractor to another.
We adjust using a combination of Diversified, Thompson, Chiropractic Biophysics, Drop Table and instrument-assisted adjusting. Our intention, is to first identify subluxations, and then apply the most specific, scientific chiropractic adjustment possible. One of the ways to objectively assess for subluxation is by performing a leg length check. You may have noticed that I use that check quite frequently. It tells us about potential subluxations in your sacrum (tailbone), pelvic bones or your upper neck, depending on how it’s used. It’s helpful to elevate your feet a bit when using this check so that’s why the foot piece on our tables are often slightly raised.
When chiropractic was in its early stages, the initial understanding was that subluxations were simply bones out of place putting pressure on nerves. While that is an important component of subluxation, there is also loss of normal motion, joint degeneration, soft tissue (ligaments/tendons) changes, muscle tension, inflammation, and most importantly loss of normal nerve connection. The nerve scan (surface EMG) we check you with periodically measures changes in muscle activity as a result of subluxation. It tells us about short term spine and nerve system stresses.
You may have also noticed that I use a white hand held instrument. It is a very sensitive infrared thermometer that measures variation in skin temperatures. Since your nerves control how wide or narrow your blood vessels are, when subluxations are present there will be a difference in temperature due to inflammation or changes in blood flow. Just like when you are stressed, embarrassed or anxious (fight or flight response), subluxations interrupting normal nerve activity can create temperature variation. If you have more questions about our assessment or techniques, let us know!