Low Force Techniques

Is there another way to get chiropractic adjustments without the ‘cracking’? Yes, there is…in fact, there are several ways of having chiropractic adjustments without being cracked!

Clicking, crunching or popping sounds makes some people sick to the stomach. Some people are just cautious of having their Neck manipulated, either due to fear or a general preference. Sometimes, it’s enough to stop them from seeing a chiropractor for their condition altogether. However, some people suffering from Low Back Pain, Neck Pain and Headaches, often see great results from receiving Chiropractic care.

Dr VanMatre is trained in ‘low-force techniques‘ that don’t involve ‘clicking’ or ‘cracking’ the spine.  Although chiropractors are well-known for clicking and popping the spine, it’s not the only way to provide chiropractic adjustments. In fact, there are many alternative techniques that are gentle and even relaxing.

What causes the ‘cracking’ sound?

Research shows that the noise from the joint comes from nitrogen gas coming out of solution and releasing when the two bones within a joint separates suddenly during the chiropractic adjustment. It’s similar to a drinking glass placed upside-down on a wet table and suddenly lifted. The lift creates a vacuum bubble and ‘pops’ once the glass is fully lifted. Both the patient and the doctor can hear these sounds; and sometimes anyone close by. The adjustment noise is louder in the Neck because it’s closer to the ears and because noise travels better through bone.

Low-Force Techniques: Chiropractic without the cracking

The low-force techniques used by our chiropractors at Westfield Spine and Sport include:

• Activator techniques: This uses an instrument, called an Activator, that people often refer to as the ‘click-click’ instrument,
• Thompson Drop Piece: This technique uses specially-designed tables with sections that rise up by a few millimeters. The table is raised at the desired location for the adjustment and a light pressure is applied. The adjustment is applied by pushing on the body above the raised section to cause it to drop.
• General Mobilization techniques: Used when the spine just requires gentle manipulation to release tension and tightness .