The first image anyone thinks of when they were the word chiropractor is one of a doctor pushing and pulling on your body to crack your spine in different places. This is an accurate, albeit a little oversimplified, description of a chiropractic adjustment. However, it is not the only way a chiropractor can adjust your spine anymore.
Computerized Adjustment
Many chiropractors are taking advantage of what modern technology has to offer with computerized adjustment systems. Here’s how they work:
Advanced Evaluations
These systems are capable of making advanced evaluations of individual joints before and after the adjustment. This allows for more precise care on initial visit and each subsequent visit.
Same Application of Pressure
It does not change the standard definition of chiropractic care, which is an application of pressure on certain areas of the body to relieve ailments. The area in which pressure is applied and the amount of force which is used is much more precise.
Quicker Visits and Recovery
Because of the precision targeting of certain areas, the visit is much quicker and less visits are required for overall treatment.
Benefits
The idea of a manual adjustment, or an adjustment by a chiropractor using his or her hands, scares some people. The computerized adjustment may help some overcome that fear and experience the benefits of chiropractic care.
Manual Adjustment
Chiropractors goals are to decompress the nerves in the spine so the body can resume natural flow and function. Compressed nerves can cause a number of ailments such as:
- Pain
- Muscle soreness
- Muscle weakness
- Limit mobility
- Numbness, tingling or tightness in extremities
They may use a number of diagnostic tools, including x-rays to see where in the spine there might be a compression. They will the use techniques to apply pressure, quick movement, and release to relieve the pressure in the spine. Once the pressure has been released, proper blood flow is restored to the nerves and thus restored to other areas of the body. Most people see pain relief rather quickly, but will need subsequent visits to keep help the body keep the spine in alignment.
These methods have been used by chiropractors for decades. Those who have been going to see a chiropractor for an extended period of time might be much more comfortable with manual adjustments than new computerized methods. While the computerized methods give an accurate look at what is happening in the body, there can be no substitution for years of experience.
Ultimately, a thorough understanding of how both methods work, as well as a conversation with your doctor will determine which of these methods is right for your situation. The doctors at South Orange Chiropractic Center use both manual and computerized Pro-Adjuster tools to keep your spine in order and from causing you and issues. To talk with our doctors about how an adjustment can work for you, as well as how we can help your overall health and wellbeing, call our offices today and make an appointment!
