The chiropractic profession has a long list of detailed treatment techniques for back and neck pain. Focused primarily on the spinal chord, which is the supportive base of the back and neck, treatment techniques have been developed over the years to reflect the change in symptoms people experience. Chiropractors refer to the collection of techniques as spinal manipulation treatment, as the main source of back and neck pain is rooted in spinal malfunctions.

However, chiropractic techniques can be used to treat more than just the spine, neck, and back. Digestive disorders, migraines, stress, and anxiety are all conditions that can be alleviated through chiropractic treatment. Before stepping into a chiropractor office, it helps to know what sort of techniques are in common practice that might be suggested to you to treat your condition. Having a basic understanding of the terms and phrases used by your chiropractor will also help you in understanding what part of the back they are talking about, or what the treatment plan entails. So here are four common chiropractic techniques in for you to learn about:

Lumbar Disc Treatment in San Diego

You may have heard the term ‘herniated disc’ before. Well, in the chiropractic profession it refers to any disc in the vertebrae of the back that shifts slightly out of position. Lumbar disc treatment refers to the treatment of a herniated disc in the lumbar region of the back (the lower back), and it has proven to be an incredibly effective treatment method. Treatment usually starts with 6 to 12 weeks of physical therapy to relieve pain and allow you to get back to the regular activities in your life. In most cases, physical treatment will be enough and the vertebrae will move back to its original position in the spine.

Gonstead Adjustment

The Gonstead adjustment is a more general technique used by chiropractors to locate the source of pain in the back. When a patient enters a chiropractic office with general symptoms of back pain, the chiropractor will perform a Gonstead adjustment to successfully locate the problem area and be able to then make informed assessment with regards to a treatment plan. The Gonstead adjustment involves realigning the spine, which will, in turn, reduce inflammation and pain for the patient.

Diversified Technique

If you need instant relief of back or neck pain, your chiropractor will probably use the Diversified technique to resolve the pain points your experiencing. The process is similar to the lumbar disc technique in that it focuses on re-aligning discs that have been nudged out of place. The main difference is that lumbar disc treatment is focused solely on the lower back, while the diversified technique can be applied to any discs across the spinal chord. There might be a ‘pop’ sound in the room as the chiropractor performs the treatment, but do not be alarmed - it is the sound of your disc returning to its original position and the release of the tension and pain you’ve been feeling!

Chiropractic Care Means A Healthy Body

There should be nothing strange or mysterious about the work of a chiropractor, and yet patients plenty of misconceptions abound. These chiropractic treatments are used every day in offices across the country. Chiropractors rely on a range of techniques to return the spine to its naturally aligned state - plain and simple.