What Is A Spinal Adjustment?
In basic terms, the spinal adjustment or spinal manipulation refers to the process in which the Doctor of Chiropractic skillfully applies controlled force into one or more vertebrae of the spine. The adjustment is also frequently used in the pelvic region to normalize the sacroiliac joints. The adjustment is usually delivered using the hands but can also be accomplished with a specialized mechanical tool.

When Should Spinal Adjustments Be Given?
Spinal adjustments are applied to certain vertebrae of the spine which are no longer in their proper position or where functioning has become impaired. Vertebrae which lose their normal position or proper motion are commonly termed vertebral subluxations. The chiropractor uses a unique set tests and procedures to determine which, if any, vertebrae are subluxated. If subluxations are found, immediate correction is generally indicated. Much like cavities subluxations are not always painful during the initial stages. So even those who are not experiencing back or neck discomfort could benefit from periodic spinal checkups.

What Do Spinal Adjustments Do?
Adjusting helps correct vertebral malposition and restore normal motion. Correcting subluxations reduces pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasm and tension, normalizes spinal biomechanics and can remove nerve irritation and interference.

The Non-Spinal Adjustment
In addition to adjusting the spine and pelvis, almost every other joint of the body can be adjusted by the chiropractor. This includes the joints of the hands and feet, wrists and ankles, elbows and knees, shoulders and hips, ribs and the jaw.

Like the joints of the spine, joints in the extremities can also become misaligned and fixated. Chiropractic adjustive techniques can restore and enhance extremity joint functioning which can increase the life of the joint and keep wear and tear to a minimum. This is of special interest to athletes who generally demand more from highly stressed joints. Adjusting provides an immediate increase in joint range of motion and supplies the joint with nutrients, as motion is the only way to bring nutrients into the joint cartilage and flush wastes products out.

Techniques
The doctors at De Pere Chiropractic Center use a variety of recognized chiropractic techniques including: Diverfisied, Thompson, Gonstead, and Activator. In addition, they offer rehabilitation and nutritional advice. Dr. Hauser is also FMT (Functional Movement Taping) certified.