One of several chiropractic techniques in common use, mobilisation is a gentler alternative to the high velocity manipulations most people associate with chiropractic treatment.
The classic "back-cracking" spinal movement performed by chiropractors is called manipulation. In contrast, spinal mobilization uses gentle, extended movements to achieve the same goal.
Whether a chiropractor uses mobilization or manipulation, the goal is always the same - to increase the range of motion in muscles and joints in the area.
In particular, chiropractors focus on what they call subluxations - vertebrae that have shifted position in the spine. As a result, blood flow and nerves can be impeded, which leads to a range of problems.
Sometimes this can result in symptoms that are immediately related to the subluxation - for example back pain - but at other times the symptoms can be elsewhere in the body (referred pain) or take the form of a disease.
Thus when a chiropractor adjusts your spine and puts back these "popped" vertebrae back into place, he is treating your whole body, allowing it to operate efficiently and begin the process of healing itself.
Chiropractic manipulation is used to treat a range of problems. Some of the most common include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Chronic illness
- Infant colic
This non-invasive treatment has proved effective for millions of people worldwide.
