- November 7, 2022
Professionals presently use several methods for chiropractic treatment in Coral Springs, FL. Chiropractic techniques are a natural, drug-free approach to treating pain and helping the patient gain more mobility.
Chiropractors focus on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system and the effects of these disorders on general health. These disorders include but are not limited to: back/neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
The different chiropractic techniques available are variations of spinal manipulation. However, there is a noticeable overlap between them, and many techniques involve slight alterations of other techniques. The most effective chiropractic method is that which produces favorable results for the patient. Therefore, the procedure chosen to treat the patient largely depends on the case’s particularities.
However, there are some popularly used effective methods. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the most commonly used techniques are the diversified technique, extremity manipulating/adjusting, activator methods, the Gonstead technique, cox flexion distraction, etc. This article will discuss some of these chiropractic methods and how they are carried out.
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are healthcare professionals that use their expertise in spinal manipulations and chiropractic adjustments to diagnose and treat patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches. They also provide care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Chiropractic procedures are popularly acknowledged as one of the safest, non-drug, noninvasive forms of neuromusculoskeletal treatments. Unfortunately, although it is safe, no health treatment is without its potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are minimal.
Chiropractors are not just limited to spinal manipulation and physical adjustment techniques. They also advise patients on lifestyle changes, such as the importance of a healthy diet, physical exercise, and proper rest.
For the most part of their jobs, chiropractors use their hands. However, they may sometimes use a piece of equipment depending on the patient’s needs.
It is worthy of note that chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. They also explain to the patient the extent and length of the treatment.
Common Chiropractic Methods for Chiropractic Treatment in Coral Springs, FL
As stated earlier, there’s no stand-alone effective method to treat pains that demand chiropractic care. The chiropractor first studies the patient before recommending a treatment plan. However, some chiropractic methods are used more than others.
We have curated a list of them to give you an insight into how chiropractic treatment in Coral Springs, FL, works.
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Diversified Technique
The diversified technique is one of the most effective chiropractic corrective methods available. It is also one of the most common techniques used by chiropractors worldwide. As the name suggests, the diversified technique involves a range of chiropractic adjustments, all of which aim to correct affected vertebral segments.
For this method, chiropractors apply a short (low-amplitude), rapid (high-velocity) thrust over restricted joints (one at a time) to restore normal range of motion in the joint. The patient’s body is positioned in specific ways to optimize the adjustment of the spine.
The rapid thrusts usually result in popping sounds as the joints and spine return to normal alignment and trapped gas/air is released. The diversified technique is done mainly by the chiropractor’s hands and requires no tool or equipment.
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Extremity Manipulation/Adjustment
Chiropractic care is not limited to your spine. Extremity manipulation/adjustment involves techniques used to correct joint fixation anywhere in the body other than the spine. These extremities include the elbow, shoulder, wrist, fingers, knees, toes, and ankles. These joints can become misaligned and cause some discomfort.
The principle behind this method is that, by aligning the joints outside of the spine, pressure to it can be reduced. This technique is painless in most cases, but it can cause some discomfort to patients with advanced joint issues. The objective is to relieve pressure, reduce pain, and increase mobility. Extremity manipulation can be used to treat headaches, neck pain, back pain, and stiff joints.
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The Gonstead Technique
The Gonstead technique is believed to be one of the most effective chiropractic techniques. It was named after its founder Clarence Gonstead. It is a concept of chiropractic care that uses various examination methods to study pain-causing factors.
The Gonstead technique is used to restore normal disc alignment, reduce pain and stiffness, and restore maximum range of mobility. It can be administered with the patient sitting up or lying on their side. It differs from the diversified technique in that it focuses primarily on P-A adjusting rather than on rotary adjusting but is still done manually (by hand) and usually results in joint cavitation.
To determine what segments to adjust/manipulate, your chiropractor may conduct X-ray analysis, temperature gradient studies, and palpation. The Gonstead adjustment is used to treat cases like subluxation, painful and stiff necks, pain in the back areas, joint dysfunctions, and adverse migraines and headaches.
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Cox Flexion Distraction
Cox flexion distraction or flexion distraction is a non-surgical spinal care treatment for several lumbar-spine conditions, including lower back pain, disc injuries, and sciatica. This method uses hands-on and mechanical manipulation/adjustment utilizing a dedicated table where the spine is tractioned and flexed forward.
Many spinal manipulation techniques require force to be applied around the spine; flexion distraction isn’t one of those. Instead, the spine is gently stretched in this procedure, allowing the chiropractor to use a relaxing pumping method to align the spine.
Cox flexion distraction can:
- Reduce pain, weakness, inflammation, and numbness by healing herniated discs.
- Restore normal motion and function to intervertebral joints.
- Assist in the drainage of waste products from the spinal canal and discs.
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Activator Method
The activator method is recommended for treating neck and back pain and also pain in the extremities (areas outside of the spine). In this technique, a Doctor of Chiropractic uses a small handheld spring-loaded device called an activator that delivers a small impulse to the spine.
Instead of manipulating/adjusting forces being delivered by hand, force is generated with the activator that delivers a lighter but faster thrust than those delivered by hand. The activator adjusts the nervous system’s tone and can treat various conditions, from headaches to lower back pain issues.
The advantage of this tool is that it enables chiropractors to discover certain affected areas with a short, low-force pulse. In addition, the speed prevents the body from tensing up, which is a common response during other manual manipulation techniques.
Get the Best Chiropractic Treatment in Coral Springs, FL
Are you searching for the best chiropractic injury treatment center near me? Contact us today at Specific Care Chiropractic for the best care at the hands of knowledgeable and experienced chiropractors in Coral Springs, FL. We will give you the most effective chiropractic treatment for your specific condition.