For patients with conditions such as osteoporosis who require a gentler approach, spinal mobilization may be used in place of the spinal manipulation, although the goal of proper spinal alignment and optimal joint functioning is the same.
With this form of chiropractic adjustment, slow movements including gentle stretches or firm pressure—as opposed to thrusts—are used to encourage spinal components into their rightful places.
The goal of spinal mobilization is the same as HVLA spinal manipulation - to restore or to enhance joint function. However, unlike HVLA spinal manipulation, slow movement, usually to a firm endpoint of joint movement, is used to mobilize the joint.
Chiropractors may choose spinal mobilization for certain patients for a variety of reasons, such as:
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Patient preference - certain patients prefer spinal mobilization over spinal manipulation
Patients with sensitive nervous systems may benefit from gentle chiropractic techniques to keep the body from overreacting and causing reactive muscle spasms
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Patients with some conditions may be contraindicated for spinal manipulation, such as possibly patients with advanced osteoporosis, bone pathology, some forms of deformity, and certain types of inflammatory arthritis
Chiropractors may choose spinal mobilization for patients when they are in the acute stage of their condition and in severe pain
Obesity can make the positioning of the patient and the manipulation procedures challenging for both the provider as well as the patient, which might favor a low force technique.
