Neck and Back Adjustments

 Messages are sent to and from the brain via electrical impulses traveling along a complex system of nerve fibers called the spinal cord. The spinal cord extends from the base of the skull down the center of the back. It is protected by the spinal column or backbone. The spinal column forms a "tunnel" of small interlocking bones called vertebrae. Spaces between the bones allow nerves to branch off to various parts of the body.

This tunnel has to be strong enough to protect the nerves from injury, but flexible enough to allow the body to bend and move freely.

Most of the time the spinal column does a great job in providing both protection and allowing the body to move freely. However sometimes one or more bones gets stuck out of proper alignment. When a bone is stuck out of alignment, it can irritate the sensitive nerves that exit from the holes in the spinal column. This is called a subluxation [suhb-luhk-sey-shuh n]. A subluxation can block the communication between the brain and the body causing interference in normal body function. A chiropractic adjustment removes this interference restoring normal body function.

 A chiropractic adjustment is used to correct a subluxation or misalignment in the spine or extremity. There are many ways to perform a chiropractic adjustment. Dr. Rosner may use his hands, an adjustment tool called the Activator or Impulse IQ, a drop table assisted technique, or flexion-distraction to properly adjust the spine. 

When adjusting the lower back the patient is lying on their side. Dr. Rosner will position the patient in what is commonly referred to as “the pretzel position”. This moniker comes from the twisting, turning and position of the body. The patient usually feels no discomfort in this position. Dr. Rosner will then put one hand on the patient’s shoulder / arm and the other hand on their lower back. Some patients feel like they might roll off the table, however, Dr. Rosner stands next to the table making sure the patient will not fall. For many patients, it takes a few adjustments to get comfortable with the pretzel position. With this type of adjustment, the patient may hear a noise. The noise may sounds like a “pop”, “clunk”, “click” or “zipper like” sound. These sounds are normal and are created when gas located within the joints and tissues are released. 

When adjusting the neck the patient may be laying face down or face up. The noise may be louder when adjusting the neck simply because the neck is closer to our ears and obviously, our ears to the hearing. This is why the sound may be more loud. 

The Activator is a special chiropractic adjusting tool that creates a gentile impulse or tap when performing the adjustment. The Activator may be the tool of choice when adjusting elderly patients, children, or patients who do not want to hear any release sounds. When using the Activator to provide the chiropractic adjustment, the patient will be face down or side lying on the table. The Activator is considered a low force technique. 

Impulse adjusting technique is a safe and gentile alternative to manual or hands-on adjusting. Impulse adjusting requires no twist or turning of the lower back or neck. It is a tool that allows us to adjust the spine without the patient hearing the "popping" sounds called a cavitation.  This technique is great for all ages from infants to the elderly.  The Impulse IQ instrument has a built in computer that analyzes the frequency of vibration of the vertebrae. Once the optimal vibration frequency is reached that computer automatically stops and the adjustment is complete. 

 Flexion Distraction is a technique for decompressing spinal nerves and treating low back pain. It's a gentle, non-surgical, no-force procedure that helps the spine heal properly - and keeps it as pain free as possible. The patient lies face down on a special table. The lower half of the table is unlocked and the patient’s lower body is flexed as the bottom portion of the table is lowered. Dr. Rosner places on hand on the patient’s lower back and the other controls the depth of the flexed table. Some patients feel a pulling sensation when undergoing this procedure. This technique works well for disc injuries, elderly, and for patients who have cannal or foraminal stenosis (narrowing). 

For this adjustment the patient will be lying face down. The pelvic portion of the table is raised. Dr. Rosner will then put his hands on the patient and quickly, yet gently press down on the patient’s lower back or pelvis into the table causing the pelvic piece to fall. There is less likelihood of hearing a release or "pop" with this type of adjustment. 

• Subluxation
• Muscle and Joint Pain
• Joint Stiffness Associated with Arthritis
• Low back pain
• Sciatica
• Disc Problems
• Pinched Nerves
• Disc Bulges
• Disc Herniations
• Numbness and Tingling in the Legs or Feet
• GI Problems
• Facet Syndrome
• Stenosis
• Low Back Sprains and Strains
• Sacroiliac Restrictions
• Scoliosis