Chiropractors

Chiropractors differ not only in the areas of the spine they focus on, but also in how much force is used while adjusting. Of the many chiropractic techniques, most are primarily different ways to provide a specific kind of adjustment to the spine. Since many techniques are similar, as a consumer, you don't really need to know which technique your chiropractor is using. But you might want to know the level of force involved.

Some chiropractors use very low force in their adjustments. They make use of what are called trigger points. Trigger points are specific locations on the spine that are connected energetically with different organs and limbs. Because trigger points are very sensitive, applying even small amounts of force at those locations will create significant changes in the organs and limbs that are connected with them. (Based on ancient Chinese medicine's knowledge of energy flow, trigger points also are used in acupuncture, acupressure, and reflexology.)

Other chiropractors make use of pressure probes or wands, again to apply a light force in very specific areas. Many chiropractors who focus on cervical and upper cervical work use primarily low-force techniques. Because the bones in the neck are relatively small compared to other vertebrae, a very slight adjustment can have a significant effect. Other low-force techniques you may hear chiropractors refer to include Toftness, DNFT (directional non-force technique), and Logan technique, which applies low-force adjustments to the bottom of the spine.

Most chiropractic adjustments fall into the medium-force category, with a few moving into what would be considered high force (although high-force adjustments are rare). Medium-force adjustments utilize the principle of long or short levers. Long-lever adjustments usually involve pressure applied to a "long lever" such as a leg, arm, hip, or shoulder. The body is torqued, or twisted, to bring the affected joint to the point in its range of motion where it's locking up. Then a quick thrust is applied to move the joint past that point, thereby unlocking it and restoring its normal range of motion. If you imagine somebody lying on the table on his or her side and the chiropractor pulling one leg up over the other one and then giving the upper leg a quick thrust, that's a medium- to high-force adjustment.

Sometimes these adjustments are accompanied by a slight popping sound as the joint is unlocked. This is nothing to worry aboutit's similar to cracking your knuckles or feeling a pop in your jaw while chewing gum.