| The chiropractics profession has been around a | | | | else will naturally fall into alignment when the root |
| long time and over the years dozens of different | | | | problem is fixed. |
| spinal manipulation methods have developed. Two | | | | The Activator Method |
| of the most commonly used techniques are the | | | | This technique was created by Arlan Fuhr in the |
| Gonstead Technique and the Activator method. | | | | early 1960s with the introduction of his spring-load |
| Which one is better for you? The following | | | | tool called the activator. The tool is used to |
| information may help you decide. | | | | replace manual manipulation of the spine and is |
| The Gonstead Technique | | | | often less jolting on the patient. |
| This technique was started by Dr. Clarence S. | | | | This is because the activator is used to pop |
| Gonstead of Wisconsin when he became a | | | | misaligned vertebrae or joints back into place |
| chiropractor in 1923. His idea of chiropractics | | | | individually. In this procedure, the chiropractor has |
| references all body misalignments to the pelvic | | | | the patient lay flat, face down on a table while |
| girdle, the body's foundation according to the | | | | the doctor compares the length of the patient's |
| Gonstead theory. | | | | legs. If one leg appears shorter than the other, |
| Just like a building's foundation needs to be level | | | | the chiropractor will press on individual vertebrae |
| and firm to support the top of the building, the | | | | on the back to see if that makes a difference in |
| body's foundation of the pelvic bones and the | | | | the length of the leg. |
| lower back bones needs to be level and in balance | | | | That vertebra is then adjusted with a special tool |
| for the rest of the body to be secure and | | | | and the doctor repeats this process until all |
| functioning well. | | | | necessary vertebrae have been realigned. |
| If these base bones become out of place at all | | | | This is a very popular treatment in the United |
| through accidents or just abnormal movements, | | | | States today. A National Board of Chiropractic |
| the whole body can be thrown out of whack. | | | | Examiners survey from 2003 found that almost |
| When the body is unable to naturally correct | | | | 70 percent of American chiropractors employed |
| these misalignments, chiropractics is the key to | | | | the activator procedure in their practices. And this |
| setting things straight again. | | | | technique is taught is most of the chiropractics |
| Those using or following this concept will look | | | | schools around the country today. |
| carefully for misalignments in the upper back, but | | | | Both these procedures have many ardent |
| especially in the lower back near the pelvic bones. | | | | followers among chiropractors and patients. Both |
| Manual techniques are often accompanied by | | | | have plenty of people who love each style and |
| spinal X-rays to get a complete understanding of | | | | claim it works the best. You may need to try |
| the spine's shape. | | | | each method for yourself before you can |
| The theory then is once the exact problem | | | | determine which the best solution for your back |
| vertebra is located, that problem area and nothing | | | | troubles is. |
| else should be adjusted back into place. Everything | | | | |