Dr. Calvin Beaugez

A Guide to the Most Common Chiropractic Adjustments

chiropractic adjustments

Americans spend more money dealing with back and neck pain than any other medical issue – approximately $134 billion in the 20-year period between 1996 and 2016.

Back and neck pain can result from a wide range of injuries and reach varying levels of severity depending on the injury. If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain, you’ll probably wonder what you should do about it.

Whether you’ve been in an accident or your posture has led you to this point, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. From there, you can get chiropractic adjustments to heal your injuries and eliminate the pain.

If you’ve never been to the chiropractor before, you might be wondering what kind of adjustments you can expect. In this post, we’re going to go over the most common chiropractic adjustments for pain relief.

Going to the chiropractor can be intimidating. Just remember, however, that these are trained professionals with your long-term health in mind. Keep reading and dispel some of the mysteries around chiropractic care.

Direct Thrust

One of the oldest and most versatile techniques that chiropractors use is the direct thrust or diversified technique. Your chiropractor may also refer to this as the “high velocity, low amplitude” or “mobilization with impulse” technique, but they’re all basically the same.

To do this, they’ll use their hands to perform a rapid “thrust”, moving the joints around your spine to one side to promote realignment. Other benefits of the direct thrust technique are back cracking, alleviating pain, improving your range of motion, and reducing inflammation.

Spinal Mobilization

When your spine experiences trauma from a car accident or sporting injury, the muscles surrounding your vertebrae can become tight. Spinal mobilization is designed to loosen these muscles and alleviate tension in the back and neck.

The chiropractor will gently stretch these muscles to encourage healing. As the space opens up between your vertebrae, you’ll experience temporary pain relief.

Gonstead System

The Gonstead System is best for promoting muscle mobility and restoring disc alignment. It’s another hands-on technique where the chiropractor will carefully follow a particular set of steps to analyze your spine.

They’ll start by examining your posture when you walk in the door. From there, they may use an instrument to examine any nerve irritation. The actual exam involves feeling the spine with and without motion.

While it’s still, they can feel for any abnormalities and tenderness. While in motion, they can get a clearer picture of your range of motion. Depending on their findings, they may send you for X-ray testing.

Drop-Table

The Thompson Drop-Table technique uses a specialty table containing “drop” mechanisms. Your chiropractor will engage these mechanisms as they apply a small amount of force. The goal is to promote joint movement, which helps to alleviate chronic back pain.

There’s no need to fear the Drop-Table technique. The table only drops a fraction of an inch and most patients find the motion comfortable.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release involves a set of manual techniques that your chiropractor will use to help alleviate fascia pain and stiffness. This connective tissue holds your nerves, muscles, and organs in place. It can become tight when put under prolonged stress.

Your chiropractor will use their hands to feel around for tight areas. Then, applying sustained pressure to those areas, they’ll work the tightness out by massaging and stretching it. They’ll repeat the process as many times as necessary until you’re pain-free.

Not only is myofascial release good for back and neck pain, but it also promotes muscle relaxation, tissue recovery, and joint motion.

Articulatory Technique

If you have any dysfunctional joints, your chiropractor may employ the articulatory technique. Using moderate amplitude and low-velocity movements, they’ll attempt to restore the joint by extending its range of motion.

To ensure joint functionality, the chiropractor will take your joint to its limit – the restrictive barrier – repeatedly. This is a therapeutic technique that is meant to alleviate recurring joint pain and stiffness.

Flexion Distraction

The aim of flexion distraction is to alleviate in the back, legs, arms, and neck. Many chiropractic techniques use force around the spine to iron out whatever kinks are there. Flexion distraction is a bit different. 

To perform this method, your chiropractor will again utilize a segmented table that moves. They’ll manipulate the spine with slow and gentle movements. When combined with the table’s movements, your spine will stretch and decompress. 

Activator

On occasion, you might go through some of the chiropractic adjustments we’ve discussed so far, only to feel pain and discomfort. Muscles have a way of tensing up and resisting adjustment, which can make treatments unpleasant. If that’s the case, your chiropractor may utilize an activator device to help.

This is a handheld spring-loaded device that can be used to pulse parts of the spine. It works faster than a chiropractor’s hands can, so the body doesn’t have time to tense up. It’s great for pinpointing certain areas and helping you get on with your treatments.

Functional Technique

The functional technique is only used when absolutely required. It involves joint cracking, which can be dangerous if performed by anyone other than your chiropractor. 

It will start with the chiropractor moving the joint to find out where the restrictive barrier is. From there, they’ll use slight force to keep the joint in this position until the barrier is released. 

This technique helps to restore joint function and promote inflammation and pain relief.

Get Chiropractic Adjustments From the Best

These are some of the most common chiropractic adjustments. Which ones you’ll have administered to you will depend on your condition. The key is to find a great chiropractor to implement the techniques.

If you’re in Salt Lake City, choosing the #1 Google-rated chiropractor is your best bet. Dr. Calvin’s Clinic can help alleviate your neck, back, and joint pain with the most effective techniques available. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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Dr. Calvin Beaugez

A Guide to Preparing for Your First Chiropractor Visit

chiropractor visit

Humans are among the first mammals to stand fully erect, which many could argue was a defect. Case and point, did you know that nearly 40% of Americans experience back pain at any given moment and that around 80% will experience it at some point?

Fortunately, visiting a chiropractor is one of the best things you can do for chronic pain relief. However, it’s a little different from most doctor’s visits. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your first chiropractor visit!

Dress Comfortably

You will need to have full mobility for your chiropractor visit. This means you’ll need clothing that can move with your body.

Avoid any stiff clothing like button-up shirts, slacks, or most other rough or professional attire. Loose-fitting or gym clothes are a perfect fit for most people. Don’t worry, you don’t have to look good for your chiropractor!

Take Notes Beforehand

Try to make notes of any pain you’ve experienced, your activity levels, common spinal issues, or changes in your lifestyle ahead of time. The more you can tell your chiropractor, the better they can help!

For example, if you notice that your lower back pain is causing you to sit in funky positions, this could cause other issues over time. Let them know about anything out of the ordinary related to your spine, mobility, joints, or chronic pain or discomfort.

Also, take note of habits of yours that you may want to point out. For example, someone who works at a desk and plays guitar as a hobby may want to tell their chiropractor that they’re worried about their posture. Taking notes ahead of time is the best way to articulate any spinal-related concerns during your visit.

Arrive Early to Your Chiropractor Visit

Especially if this is your first chiropractor visit, make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes early. Even if you’ve already done your paperwork, your chiropractor or their staff may have additional questions for you, or they may want to go over certain factors with you before beginning. Try to arrive early to your appointment so they don’t have to cut into the fun part!

Prepare to Ask Questions

If you’re worried about your first chiropractor visit, you’re not alone. Prepare any questions you have ahead of time and ask your chiropractor. They can let you know about their techniques, pain solutions, and what to expect during and after your treatment.

Also, you may want to ask follow-up questions at the end of the visit. For example, if the doctor notices anything you didn’t mention, ask about ways to treat or improve that issue at home.

Go About Your Normal Routine

We all brush and floss a little extra right before a dentist visit, but don’t worry. No chiropractor cares to judge your plaque.

It’s important to resist the urge before your first chiropractor visit to want to improve or adjust things on your own. Don’t go out of your way to maintain a different posture than you’re used to prior to your visit. It’s best if your chiropractor sees your spine as it usually is to best help you.

Know What to Expect

Every chiropractor is different, which means that every visit has some differences. Some may want to start with a relaxing massage, whereas others will begin with a more intensive examination. Either way, it’s best to be prepared! 

Prepare to Answer Questions

To start, your chiropractor will likely want to examine you, especially for a first-time visit. For this, you’ll need to prepare to articulate any pain or discomfort you may experience.

Don’t worry, there are no wrong answers. Just think ahead of time about what’s bothering you and try your best to communicate that during the exam.

If you’re just coming in because you’ve seen videos of spinal adjustments and it seems appealing, that’s perfectly fine! Just let your chiropractor know what you’re looking to get out of the visit as best as you can.

Understand the Examination Process

Your first chiropractor visit will include an examination, which is essential for a successful visit. Again, as long as you’re wearing loose-fitting or stretchable clothing and you’ve prepared for questions, this should be a breeze. Moreover, this could include:

  • X-rays
  • Reflex analysis
  • Postural testing
  • Testing your range of motion
  • Palpation of different areas
  • Reviewing your medical history
  • Answering a series of questions

Like with any doctor visit, just be honest and follow directions. It isn’t too tricky on your end!

Aftercare

Your chiropractor will certainly tell you what you need to do after the visit. This is personalized to you and your needs, but prepare yourself to listen and follow through afterward. This could include anything from being mindful of your posture to practicing daily stretches.

Again, let’s use the dentist analogy. You can visit the dentist every six months, but if you don’t take care of your teeth in the meantime, then you can’t expect long-term results.

Essentially, you may continue your chiropractic services, but you should also prepare for self-care in between your visits. If you can do that, then you’ll see the best results!

Schedule a Chiropractor Visit Today

Now that you know what to expect during a chiropractor visit, schedule an appointment today and get ready. Visiting the chiropractor doesn’t have to be scary.

Remember, they’re there to help you. If you have questions, just call ahead or arrive early and ask!

Stay up to date with our latest chiropractic tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment today!

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Dr. Calvin Beaugez

8 Reasons to Visit a Chiropractor for Your Neck Injury

neck injury

Up to 70% of individuals will experience neck pain that interferes with daily activities at some point in their lifetime.

Neck pain doesn’t occur without reason. Whether you’ve been in a car accident or you hurt your neck playing sports, it’s important to get proper medical attention. Even if your neck injury is relatively minor, you should be visiting a chiropractor to help deal with the pain and discomfort. 

These types of injuries aren’t just painful, they can be incredibly frightening as well. Neck injuries can lead to a number of other medical issues that can be detrimental to your overall quality of life. If you’ve been putting off your visit to the chiropractor, this post is for you.

Today, we’re going to tell you 9 reasons to visit a chiropractor for your neck injury. With proper care, you’ll be able to put this injury behind you, so keep reading and start thinking about booking your chiropractor’s appointment ASAP.

1. Get a Proper Diagnosis

With online resources like WebMD and Healthline, we live in the age of self-diagnosis. Although these sources are incredibly helpful for giving the general public crucial medical information, nothing beats a real diagnosis from a qualified professional.

In a few minutes, your chiropractor will have a general idea of what’s going on with your neck. They may order tests and scans to get a clearer picture, but after your initial consultation, your chiropractor will begin formulating a plan to fix it.

2. Neck Adjustments

Whether you’ve suffered your neck injury as a result of whiplash from a car accident or a tough hit in a football game, the first step to helping you deal with the pain is probably a neck adjustment. 

Cervical manipulation, as it’s known, involves placing strategic pressure on the injured joints in your neck. After several appointments, you’ll notice plenty of pain relief and a greater range of motion in your neck.

There are a few different types of neck adjustments a qualified chiropractor will perform. A cervical drop involves the head of the table that you’re laying on dropping as the chiropractor gently thrusts on your neck.

Cervical manual traction is when you’re laying face-up and the chiropractor stretches your neck upward. Lastly, cervical mobilization will have your chiropractor adjust your neck to realign the neck vertebrae.

3. Eliminating Daily Pain

The goal of the above treatments is to attempt to eliminate the daily pain that you’re feeling from your neck injury. When we suffer a car accident or sport-related neck injuries, even if they’re not serious, we’re almost constantly irritated by daily activities.

Benign activities like working at a computer or even laying in bed at night can make the pain worse. By seeing the best chiropractor, you’re proactively dealing with the pain so that your neck can properly heal.

4. Avoid Related Injuries

As we mentioned at the top, neck injuries can have implications on other areas of your body. The most notable of these are your back, your limbs, and your head. Many people with neck injuries experience back pain, tingly limbs, and headaches – these are examples of “referred pain”.

The longer you leave your neck injury untreated, the more likely you’ll start experiencing these kinds of symptoms. Chiropractors understand this, so their treatments are aimed at not just reducing neck pain, but avoiding other types of pain as well.

5. Reduce Inflammation

Chiropractors specialize in the relief of pressure on nerves and realigning the spine and vertebrae. When you’ve got an injury of this nature, the resulting inflammation is what ends up causing the most discomfort.

In addition to your chiropractic treatments, your chiropractor will instruct you on exercises you can do at home to help relieve inflammation also. The combination of in-person and self-administered treatment is proven to improve the pain and discomfort associated with inflammation.

6. Better Posture

Over 31 million Americans suffer from poor posture. When you’re young, this might not cause many issues. It’s as you start aging or experience a neck injury that your posture can really start to affect you.

Back and neck pain can cause poor posture, but it can also result from poor posture. One of the first things your chiropractor will do is examine your posture and work with you to improve it. You can’t properly recover from an injury when you’re actively aggravating it with your poor posture.

7. No More Headaches

Another condition that results from a neck injury is chronic headaches, which are known as cervicogenic headaches. This is another example of referred pain because it’s actually a pain in your neck that you feel in your head. 

The pain will likely start on one side of your head at the base of the skull, slowly traveling up the side of the head. Eventually, the pain can be debilitating, so it’s important to see a chiropractor when you start experiencing these symptoms.

8. You’ve Been In an Accident

If you’ve been in an auto accident, getting medical attention is essential whether you think you need it or not. Whiplash can occur at low speeds, putting a lot of strain on the neck muscles and cervical spine. The symptoms of these injuries can manifest in days or even weeks after an accident.

Going to a chiropractor in the immediate aftermath of the accident will ensure that you get professional diagnostic care. Not only will you discover injuries and get them treated, but you’ll be prepared for your insurance claim with all of the pertinent medical information.

Don’t Suffer Through Your Neck Injury

No matter how you’ve suffered your neck injury, there’s no need to suffer through it alone. If any of the things we’ve discussed here apply to you, you’ve got good reason to see a chiropractor. Those located in Salt Lake City should visit Dr. Calvin’s Clinic for a free consultation.

As the #1 Google-rated chiropractor in West Valley, our aim is always to find the source of your injury so we can give you the right treatment. Contact us today to discuss your injury and how we can help.

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