Chiropractors use chiropractic adjustments to help patients overcome common health issues ranging from lower back pain and restricted range of motion to insomnia and poor posture. Also referred to as spinal manipulation, chiropractic treatment is a natural, non-invasive approach administered to a patient's spine or extremities. Thus, it ensures proper alignment of the spine and proper functioning of the nervous and skeletal systems. That said, chiropractors have to rely on different chiropractic techniques when treating patients, and the procedure adopted is based on the patient's condition. This article highlights common chiropractic treatment techniques that chiropractors use.

The Gonstead Adjustment -- This is arguably the most common chiropractic adjustment technique and is named after its founder. The hands-on process is considered one of the most precise for relieving pain and spine alignment. One thing that makes Gonstead adjustment a popular method with chiropractors is its specificity and the fact that it can be administered while a patient is seated or lying on their side. The two positions allow a chiropractor to realign any misaligned discs that could pinch the nerves and cause pain, stiffness and limited mobility. During treatment, a chiropractor analyses the spine disc by disc and the connecting tissues to identify and correct possible misalignments. The Gonstead adjustment helps fix issues such as long-term back pain and vertebral subluxation.

Activator Technique -- Unlike the more hands-on Gonstead adjustment treatment, the activator procedure uses a handheld device to apply controlled pressure on the affected part. The device used in this technique is referred to as an activator. A chiropractor uses the accessory on the spine's vertebral segments. The instrument acts through a thumping motion, which delivers gentle impulsive forces that restore motion caused by the buildup of pressure from misaligned vertebral points. The treatment is fast-acting because an activator does not allow muscles time to get tense and offer resistance. The activator technique is suited for treating chronic migraines and neck and lower back pain. Since the activator technique is not painful, it is often the best option for seniors.

Flexion-Distraction Technique -- This is a low force gentle chiropractic adjustment method designed to relieve pressure from injured or dysfunctional nerves. The flexion-distraction technique requires a special table consisting of movable segments. As a chiropractor manipulates your spine, the different segments move accordingly, absorbing the pressure applied on the target body part. The flexion-distraction technique is commonly applied to stubborn spinal issues, such as disc bulges and hernias. Other conditions that are best addressed using this technique include sprains and strains, arthritis, lumbar disc injuries and scoliosis.

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