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Spinal Manipulation
 Spinal manipulation is a therapeutic intervention that has roots in traditional medicine and has been used by various cultures, including Hippocrates, "father of medicine" and ancient Egyptians, apparently for thousands of years.
The chiropractic spinal adjustment "is unique and singular to the chiropractic profession" (ICA) and is proven to relieve pain, discomfort, and is used for long-term wellness and preventative care. The goal of the chiropractic adjustment is to correct structural alignment and improve your body's physical function. By applying pressure to the bone, it "unlocks" it from its improper position. The bone will then be free to align itself correctly.
Misalignment in the Spine
The individual bones in the spinal column are called  vertebrae. Individual vertebrae can become misplaced and when that happens, it's called a vertebral subluxation. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord through small openings between the vertebrae and when vertebrae subluxation occurs, it causes interference with the normal flow of energy along the nerve fibers. Messages traveling along the nerves will be distorted. If the full, normal energy flow cannot pass to and from the brain, some part of the body will be adversely affected. As a result, people can experience pain, soreness, irregularity, weakness, digestive disturbances or other health imbalances.
Ignoring these symptoms, or silencing them with pills, doesn't do anything to help the real problem. Unless we get to the root of the problem -- the nerve interference -- the affected area will continue to function improperly and its health will decline.
Causes of Misalignment in Spines:
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Picking up heavy objects
- Exercise and physical activities
- Poor mechanics and posture
Manual Adjustments Vs. Adjusting Instrument
There are many different types of adjusting techniques, and since each patient is different (size, weight, muscular structure) the approach to the adjustment may be different as well. In a manual adjustment, the Chiropractor positions the patient, applies pressure or pulls at the joint, and "unlocks" it from its position. Most of the time patients will hear a pop or click, which are just gas bubbles being released in the joints.
 At NOVA Chiropractic, Dr. Sullivan offers manual adjustments as well as an adjustment instrument, called Impulse IQ. The Impulse IQ is a computer-assisted chiropractic adjustment instrument that is controlled by micro-computer circuitry housed within the device that produces a controlled force that chiropractors can use to treat different areas of the body.
This adjusting instrument actually measures precisely how the spine  is moving during the treatment so that just the right amount of care can be provided! Many patients at NOVA Chiropractic use this adjustment method if they prefer not to hear the pops and clicks.
Both adjustment methods are highly effective, and for some patients it really comes down to preference or what they feel more comfortable with. Dr. Sullivan always provides patients which method he feels will be most effective. but will give patients the option to have one or both forms of adjustments.
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