The chiropractor performs a preliminary analysis to identify vertebrae that are not properly aligned or are “subluxated”. Once completed, he performs the adjustment in the necessary place and direction to correct them. In this photo, he performs a standing cervical adjustment. The cervical area is the most important because of its proximity to the brain.

As on the previous page, the chiropractor works on the neck area, this time with the person lying on the table. By aligning the cervical vertebrae, the effect is very powerful because it opens the “tap” through which the information generated by the brain will flow freely to all parts of the body, restoring balance to the nervous system and helping to restore general health.

The atlas is the first cervical vertebra. Because of its location, just below the skull, the technique is often modified to access this most delicate area of the spine. The chiropractor uses a gentle and precise impulse with the hands to align the atlas, the control centre of all vital functions; all the information that controls breathing, the digestive organs or cardiovascular function, among others, passes through it. A subluxation of the atlas can cause symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, lack of concentration, anxiety, tiredness or dizziness.

Subluxation in this area can affect vital organs such as the heart, lungs, digestive system and others. For the adjustment, a very light force is applied with a short lever, which allows the adjustment to be very specific and painless.

Sometimes the chiropractor uses the patient’s own weight to adjust the dorsal area, guiding the patient from a sitting position to a prone position. Meanwhile, the hand on the back guides the vertebra to be adjusted.

Another function of the stretcher is used here. Moving parts are lifted to provide additional momentum for certain adjustments, for example in the pelvis. This technique can be used for all patients, whatever their age, but is particularly beneficial for pregnant women. An aligned spine and pelvis are essential for an optimal pregnancy and a healthy birth.

There are different techniques for adjustments, which each chiropractor chooses according to personal preference and the needs of the patient. The technique with which the adjustment is performed may vary, for example, whether it is performed on children, the elderly or pregnant women.

Another function of the stretcher is used here. Moving parts are lifted to provide additional momentum for certain adjustments, for example in the pelvis. This technique can be used for all patients, whatever their age, but is particularly beneficial for pregnant women. An aligned spine and pelvis are essential for an optimal pregnancy and a healthy birth.

There are different techniques for adjustments, which each chiropractor chooses according to personal preference and the needs of the patient. The technique with which the adjustment is performed may vary, for example, whether it is performed on children, the elderly or pregnant women.

Another way to correct subluxations of the sacrum and pelvis is by means of wedges that are placed under the sacrum and pelvis. The chiropractor places the wedges in a very specific position and direction, depending on the patient’s distortion, and leaves them there for a certain amount of time.
This technique uses body weight and the force of gravity to achieve a gentle and effective correction.

The activator is an instrument that delivers a precise and painless impulse to the misaligned vertebra. It is therefore used with the same intention as the hands: to correct a subluxation. Some chiropractors use it frequently, but others prefer to use it on very young children and older people. The activator is like a trigger; the person can hear a thumping sound at the moment of the adjustment. It can be used on any area of the spine, from the neck to the coccyx.

If the spine and pelvis are out of alignment, one leg may lengthen slightly, giving the sensation that one leg is shorter than the other. If this imbalance is maintained, we will carry more weight on one side of the body when standing or walking, which can wear out the joints more quickly. The chiropractor checks the length of the legs to see the level of balance between the pelvis and the spine. If there is an imbalance it may be due to subluxations in any of the vertebrae. In this case, for example, when the person turned their head to one side the imbalance was corrected and when they turned their head to the other side the imbalance was accentuated. This indicated a subluxation at the level of the cervical vertebrae.

Author: Mayra Paterson
Session with Aaron Morris, chiropractor at the Life Centre (www.quiropractica.cat)