/sc-assets/prd/practices/d90c81b5-2e9b-4b8c-97ac-24c4df633440/AdobeStock_2018785976.jpeg)
Care That Is Based on the Person in Front of Us
Not every patient needs the same type of adjustment.
Some people are comfortable with a traditional hands-on adjustment. Others may need something lighter or more focused. A child will not be adjusted the same way as an adult, and someone who is sore from a recent injury may need a different approach than someone coming in for ongoing care.
Dr. Jean Exume uses several chiropractic techniques so that care can be adjusted to fit the patient, rather than making every patient fit the same technique.
Before any adjustment is performed, we take time to listen to what is bothering you, review your health history, examine how your spine is moving, and explain what we recommend.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the top of the neck, where the head connects to the spine. This area includes the first two bones in the neck, known as the atlas and axis.
Because this is a sensitive area, the adjustment is usually small, focused, and carefully directed. It does not always require a lot of pressure or twisting.
Dr. Exume uses several upper cervical approaches, including Blair, toggle-recoil, and knee-chest adjusting.
Blair Upper Cervical Technique
The Blair Technique focuses on the upper part of the neck. The goal is to identify an area that may not be moving as well as it should and provide a specific adjustment based on the patient’s examination and available imaging.
The patient is usually positioned comfortably on their side while the adjustment is performed. The movement is small and controlled, without forceful twisting of the neck.
We do not take X-rays inside our office. When imaging is needed, we refer patients to a local imaging center. Dr. Exume can then review the available images and reports and determine whether Blair upper cervical care is appropriate.
Toggle-Recoil in the Side-Posture Position
Toggle-recoil is an upper cervical adjustment that Dr. Exume performs while the patient is lying on their side.
“Side posture” simply describes the position the patient is in. “Toggle-recoil” describes the type of adjustment being performed.
Once the patient is comfortably positioned, Dr. Exume uses a quick and very small hand movement to adjust a specific area near the top of the neck. Although the adjustment happens quickly, it is not meant to be forceful.
This approach allows Dr. Exume to work on a very specific area without rotating or twisting the neck through a large range of motion.
Knee-Chest Adjusting
With knee-chest adjusting, the patient kneels on a padded support and rests their chest and upper body on the table.
This position allows Dr. Exume to make a focused contact on a specific part of the spine. It can be used in the upper cervical area or in other parts of the spine, depending on what is found during the examination.
The position may look different from a traditional chiropractic adjustment, but many patients find it comfortable because the body is supported throughout the process.
Other Chiropractic Techniques We Use
Dr. Exume’s training includes several techniques commonly taught through the Sherman approach to chiropractic. Having experience with different techniques gives him more than one way to work with a patient.
Depending on your condition, examination findings, comfort level, and previous experience with chiropractic care, he may use one technique or combine parts of several approaches.
Gonstead Technique
Gonstead is a hands-on technique that focuses on finding and adjusting a specific area of the spine.
Dr. Exume looks at how the patient stands, how the spine moves, where there may be tenderness, and what was found during the examination. He then decides whether a particular area should be adjusted.
The goal is not to adjust every part of the spine. The goal is to focus on the area that appears to need attention.
Diversified Technique
Diversified is the more traditional hands-on style of chiropractic adjustment that many patients are familiar with.
It can be used in the neck, middle back, lower back, or pelvis. The patient may sometimes hear a popping sound during the adjustment. That sound is simply gas being released from the joint. It is not the goal of the adjustment, and an adjustment can still be effective without a sound.
Dr. Exume controls the position, direction, and amount of pressure based on the patient’s size, comfort, mobility, and condition.
Pierce Results System
Pierce Results is a system used to evaluate how different parts of the spine are moving and functioning.
Dr. Exume may use parts of this system during the examination and adjusting process. It can help him decide where an adjustment may be needed and how the patient should be positioned.
Like the other methods used in our office, it is not automatically performed on every patient.
Activator Technique
The Activator is a small handheld instrument that delivers a quick, light impulse to a specific area.
It may be used for patients who prefer a gentler adjustment, have trouble getting into certain positions, or are uncomfortable with a traditional hands-on adjustment.
Because the instrument is small and controlled, Dr. Exume can use it on a specific joint without using a large amount of movement.
Chiropractic Care for Children and Families
We provide chiropractic care for children, teenagers, adults, and older family members.
Children are not adjusted with the same amount of pressure used for an adult. Dr. Exume changes the technique, positioning, and amount of force based on the child’s age, size, comfort level, and examination findings.
We also understand that children may be nervous or unsure about being in a chiropractic office. We take time to explain what we are doing, allow parents to stay involved, and do not pressure a child into an adjustment.
Parents are encouraged to ask questions and understand what is being recommended before care begins.
What About X-Rays?
We do not take X-rays in our office, and not every patient automatically needs imaging.
Dr. Exume will first review your history and perform an examination. When X-rays or other imaging would be helpful, we can refer you to a local imaging center.
Once the imaging is completed, Dr. Exume can review the results and use that information when planning your care.
How Does Dr. Exume Choose a Technique?
You do not need to know which technique you need before coming into the office.
Dr. Exume will consider what is bothering you, how long it has been happening, your health and injury history, how your spine is moving, your age, your comfort level, and any previous experiences you have had with chiropractic care.
Some patients may do well with a hands-on adjustment. Others may be more comfortable with an instrument or a smaller upper cervical adjustment. The technique may also change as the patient begins to move and feel better.
The important thing is that you understand what is being recommended and feel comfortable with the approach.
Our Overall Approach
Dr. Exume does not believe in adjusting every patient the exact same way.
Having several techniques available gives him options. It allows him to choose an approach based on the patient’s needs instead of using the same routine during every visit.
Our goal is to listen, examine the problem carefully, explain what we find in plain language, and provide care that is appropriate for the person in front of us.