What Tools do Chiropractors Use?

Chiropractors use a huge variety of specialized tools to provide better treatments, including spinal adjustment tables, handheld adjusting instruments, cold lasers, and electronic muscle stimulation machines. All these tools help chiropractors personalize treatments and make them more efficient.

Why do Chiropractors Use Electrical Stimulation?

Chiropractors use electrical stimulation to boost muscle relaxation, reduce pain, and improve blood circulation. This therapy also helps with inflammation and muscle tension, particularly in patients with acute pain or chronic conditions.

Are Chiropractic Tools Safe?

Chiropractic tools are safe when used by trained professionals. They are designed to deliver precise, controlled treatments. As with any therapy, your chiropractor will assess your condition to choose the safest and most effective tools for your needs.

What is the Name of the Chiropractic Gun?

The chiropractic “gun” is called an Activator Adjusting Tool, an Activator chiropractic tool, or simply an Activator. It delivers a quick, gentle impulse to specific areas of the spine or joints without the need for manual force. This chiropractor adjustment tool is especially useful for patients who require low-force adjustments.

What Machine do Chiropractors Use for Back Adjustments?

For back adjustments, chiropractors often use a drop table or an adjustable chiropractic table. They assist with precise spinal movements. Some may also use tools like the Activator or ArthroStim for low-force adjustments. The choice depends on the patient’s condition.

May 26 2025

Can a Chiropractor Fix a Herniated Disc?

Dr. Jack Rieke

Dealing with spine-related issues can affect many parts of your life, from general mobility to comfort of life. When traditional treatments don’t provide enough help, many people start looking for alternatives that don’t rely on surgery or medication. One option that often comes up is chiropractic care. But can a herniated disc chiropractor help?

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc happens when one of the soft discs between the bones in your spine gets pushed out of place. These discs work like little cushions that keep your spine flexible and help absorb impact. When the outer layer of a disc tears, the inner part can leak out and press against nearby nerves. This is what people often call a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc.

It can happen from things like lifting the wrong way, an accident, or simply from wear and tear over time. While it sounds serious, there are ways to manage it – and chiropractic care for herniated disc care is one of them.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Lower Back or Leg Pain. If the disc is in your lower back, you might feel pain that starts in your back and shoots down one leg, usually feeling as sharp or burning.
Neck or Shoulder Pain. A disc issue in your neck can cause pain in the neck itself or the upper back, sometimes reaching into your arm or shoulder.
Numbness or Tingling. You may feel pins-and-needles or a “buzzing” sensation in your arm, leg, hand, or foot.
Weakness. The muscles around the affected area may feel weaker, making it hard to grip things or walk normally.
Worsening with Movement. Coughing, sneezing, or moving a certain way can make the pain feel worse.

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Herniated Discs

No Surgery Needed. Herniated disc chiropractor uses non-invasive techniques, so there’s no cutting, no hospital stay, and no surgical risks. Treatments are gentle and aim to ease pressure on the disc.
No Need for Painkillers. Many patients want to avoid relying on medications because of frequent side effects or even dependencies. Chiropractic treatment for herniated disc offers natural pain relief, which may help you move better without needing pills.
Helps Prevent Future Issues. Herniated disc chiropractor doesn’t just treat the pain. They look at what’s causing it. They’ll help you improve posture, movement habits, and body mechanics to lower the chances of it coming back.

Chiropractic Techniques for Herniated Discs

Flexion-Distraction Therapy. This is a gentle treatment done on a special table that slightly stretches your spine. The herniated disc chiropractor uses slow, pumping motions to ease pressure on the injured disc. It doesn’t hurt and helps pull the disc material back to where it belongs. Over time, this can reduce pressure on nerves and ease leg pain.
Pelvic Blocking. Soft wedges are placed under both sides of your hips while you lie down. This helps gently shift the disc away from the nerve it’s pressing on. It’s a safe, hands-off method that can also help with other issues like headaches or general tension.
Spinal Decompression. This technique uses a traction table to carefully stretch the spine. It lowers pressure in the spine and helps the disc heal faster by improving blood flow and nutrient movement. It’s often used for people with leg pain, sciatica, or disc bulges.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care offers several non-invasive ways to help manage herniated discs and reduce associated pain and discomfort. Techniques like flexion-distraction, pelvic blocking, and spinal decompression aim to take pressure off the spine and help your body heal naturally.

Every treatment plan is personalized, usually combining spinal work with valuable lifestyle tips, stretches, or even massage for back pain relief. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Libertyville, or need support from a scoliosis chiropractor, make sure to choose a clinic that takes the time to understand your condition and helps you every step of the way, which is exactly what we do at the Cross-Up Chiropractic.

FAQs About Chiropractic and Herniated Discs

Can a chiropractor make herniated disc worse?

In rare cases, if spinal adjustments are done without properly diagnosing the condition or if the herniation is too severe, chiropractic care could make symptoms worse. That’s why it’s important to see a qualified chiropractor slipped disc who will review imaging and make sure you’re a good candidate for treatment before starting.

Can a chiropractor help with a herniated disc?

A chiropractor slipped disc can often help with a herniated disc by using gentle techniques to reduce pressure on the affected nerve. Treatments like flexion-distraction or spinal decompression may ease pain and support spinal health without surgery. The right approach depends on the severity and location of the disc problem.

Should I get an MRI before seeing a chiropractor for a herniated disc?

You don’t always need an MRI before seeing a chiropractor, but it can be helpful if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting. A chiropractor for herniated disc can assess your condition and refer you for imaging if needed. In many cases, a physical exam and medical history are enough for a safe treatment.

Dr. Jack Rieke

Dr. Jack Rieke, Chiropractic Physician and Muscle Release Specialist, was inspired by his mother’s recovery from chronic pain to pursue a career in helping others live pain-free. A graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology focusing on Biomechanics and Movement Sciences, he furthered his training at the National University of Health Sciences, earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Dr. Rieke has practiced at Foundation Sport and Spine (2017–2019) and is the owner of Cross-Up Chiropractic (2019–present).