There’s a vast array of Chiropractic techniques available for the student and practicing Doctor of Chiropractic.  They include but are not limited to:

• Activator Methods
• Blair
• Chiropractic Bio-Physics (CBP)
• Diversified
• Flexion-Distraction
• Full-spine specific
• Gonstead
• Graston
• Hole-in-one technique (HIO) 
• Sacral-Occipital technique (SOT)
• Thompson

These techniques can all be discussed in great detail but I will choose one, Thompson technique.  One component of the Thompson technique describes a Bilateral Cervical Syndrome as an AS occiput.  This is one of the 3 possibilities when the patient’s legs are even in extension.  It could also mean they have an X-Derefield, or they have no Thompson-Derefield listings that visit.  The Bilateral Cervical Syndrome is possibly the result of the suboccipital muscles pulling inferiorly on the posterior occiput resulting in an AS occiput.  As the posterior aspect of the occiput goes inferiorly, the anterior aspect of the occiput goes anterior and superior.  The analysis of the Bilateral Cervical Syndrome is as follows: the patient’s legs must be even in the extended position, rotating the head to the left causes the left leg to go short and rotating the head to the patient’s right causes the right leg to go short.  You must observe both to qualify as a Bilateral Cervical Syndrome.   

       Very few patients feel discomfort from a spinal adjustment because there is little pressure applied and minimal force is used.  Patients may hear a popping sound, but there is no reason to worry.  The popping noises are completely normal and are caused from tiny pockets releasing gas.  The treatment may cause discomfort for patients who are tense, but are typically pain free for most individuals. 

A chiropractic physician offers spinal manipulation as their main treatment option. But within the term “manipulation” there are many different types that a chiropractor can choose from when offering care to their patient’s.  It should be noted that a manipulation is different than mobilization of a joint.  It should further be noted that chiropractic manipulation is different than osteopathic manipulation, most commonly in terms of the quick force and shallow amplitude of the movement.  Below are the two most common forms of chiropractic adjustments offered by a chiropractic physician.

 Most Common Adjustments

The Diversified technique or DT is the most common form of a chiropractic adjustment. It is also called a full spine specific or FSS. This type of adjustment focuses on the biomechanical failure in each section of the spine and the objective of Diversified is to restore proper motion and alignment of the spine. This technique is performed with a high velocity-low amplitude thrust that generally causes that “popping” sound that has become familiar among chiropractic patients. Diversified can also be used to treat many of the joints in the body. Another technique commonly used among chiropractic physicians is called extremity manipulating. Obviously, the title explains the technique, as it is an adjustment that focuses on helping with misalignment issues in the extremities. The extremities that can be worked on with this technique include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, feet and toes. This form of adjustment can be very helpful for patients dealing with problems like carpal tunnel, gait problems or posture-related issues.

References Cited in this Article

www.healthprofs.com

www.acatoday.org