How We Know Where To Adjust | Chiropractor for Headaches in West Des Moines, IA
Hello, everyone! Today, I want to share with you our approach to testing for and adjusting patients who suffer from headaches.
Initial Leg Check and Diagnostic Process
Our examination begins with the patient lying face down. Interestingly, we start by checking the leg lengths, as discrepancies here can often indicate issues further up the spine. In this case, our patient’s right leg appears shorter.
- Head Rotation Test: I ask the patient to turn their head to the right, which interestingly evens out the leg lengths. Turning the head to the left, however, maintains the shorter right leg. This suggests a problem in the upper cervical area, likely around the C1 or C2 vertebrae.
- Palpation: Moving to the cervical spine, I palpate each vertebra. Pressing on the C1 vertebra on the left side confirms my suspicion as it evens out the leg length, indicating subluxation at this spot.
Adjustment Procedure
After identifying the subluxation:
- Patient Positioning: I ask the patient to turn onto their back for a more precise adjustment.
Range of Motion Assessment: Observing the patient’s head rotation provides further confirmation of limited mobility to the left, reinforcing the presence of a subluxation at C1 on the left side. - Gentle Adjustment: I perform a targeted, gentle adjustment at the C1 vertebra. This precise manipulation is designed to correct the subluxation and alleviate the associated headache.
- Traction: Following the adjustment, I apply gentle traction to the neck. This is not a forceful pull but a mild stretch to help relax the muscles around the upper cervical spine.
This method effectively addresses the root cause of headaches linked to spinal misalignments. If you’re experiencing persistent headaches, consider a chiropractic evaluation to explore if spinal issues may be contributing to your discomfort. For more insights and personalized care, visit us at Truth Family Chiropractic.
