An adjustment is the procedure a chiropractor utilizes to correct a subluxation in the spine (please see Subluxation for a definition). Adjustments can be performed in the spine or an extremity to stabilize the joint, to return the joint mobility and function and to remove any nerve irritation/inflammation that is present. An adjustment will stabilize the joint thereby reducing the patient symptoms.

In my office I utilize several adjustment techniques to achieve positive patient results. Some of the techniques I use are Diversified, Thompson, Cox, & SOT. In children and arthritic geriatric patients, I use the Activator method.

Prior to the adjustment, I use physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, interferential muscle stimulation, intersegmental traction, cervical traction, lumbar traction, and ice or heat. In most cases, therapy will consist of 1 application which takes 15 minutes to perform. In some cases, 2-3 therapies will be needed prior to the adjustment. The physical therapy modalities when combined with the adjustment promote faster tissue healing which produce quicker positive results for the patient.

After the first two visits (exam & report of findings), the total treatment time is 20 minutes if therapy is used in conjunction with the adjustment. An adjustment and therapy will be performed on the second visit following the report of findings.

For acute conditions, ultrasound and interferential muscle stimulation is usually the therapy used prior to adjustment.

For chronic conditions, disc conditions,or extemity pain cases either cervical traction, lumbar traction, or intersegmental traction is used prior to the adjustment.
The picture with the male patient is a demonstration of cervical traction. The picture of the female patient is a demonstration of lumbar traction.

Both patients are comfortable during the procedure with no pain associated with these therapies.

The lumbar traction table has the capability of decompression traction if the patient is placed on the table in the prone position (face down). Decompression traction has been shown on TV as the VAX-D table although other tables are available to the physician. In the 3 years that I have had this machine in my office, I have not had to utilize the table in the decompression position due to the positive results of the table in the supine position (face up) when combined with the chiropractic adjustment. In most cases, laying on your back is more comfortable than laying on your stomach.

In both the cervical and lumbar traction, I have had patients become so relaxed that they actually fall asleep during therapy.