If you’re dealing with chronic pain, stiffness, poor posture, headaches, or mobility issues, spinal adjustments may be one of the most effective ways to restore balance to your body. At Prime Relief & Wellness, we specialize in multiple chiropractic adjustment methods — including Atlas Orthogonal, Activator, and traditional manual techniques such as Diversified, Thompson, and Gonstead — allowing us to tailor care to your specific needs.
This guide breaks down what each technique is, how it works, and when it may be right for you.
Why Spinal Adjustments Matter
Your spine protects your nervous system — the control center for every movement, sensation, and function in the body. When vertebrae become misaligned (a condition called subluxation), it can lead to:
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Persistent neck or back pain
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Headaches or migraines
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Sciatica or nerve irritation
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Poor posture
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Limited mobility
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Fatigue and muscle tension
Chiropractic adjustments help restore alignment, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation so your body can heal naturally.
1. Atlas Orthogonal (AO): Precision-Based, Gentle Correction
The Atlas Orthogonal technique focuses on the top vertebra of the spine, known as the Atlas (C1). When the atlas shifts out of alignment, it can disrupt the entire spine and nervous system.
How AO Works
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Completely non-invasive
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Uses a specialized instrument to deliver a gentle, sound-wave adjustment
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No twisting, cracking, or popping
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Designed for accuracy down to millimeters
Best For
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Vertigo & dizziness
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Migraines
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Neck pain
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TMJ and facial pain
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Posture imbalance
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Patients who prefer a very gentle approach
2. Activator Method: Low-Force, Instrument-Assisted Adjustments
The Activator technique uses a handheld spring-loaded instrument called the Activator to deliver quick, controlled impulses.
How It Works
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Delivers high-speed, low-force adjustments
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Targets specific joints and soft tissues
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Ideal for sensitive or inflamed areas
Best For
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Acute injuries
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Elderly patients
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Children
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Joint stiffness
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Muscle tension
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Patients who want a comfortable, no-crack experience
3. Traditional Chiropractic Adjustments
These manual techniques restore alignment using hands-on movements. At Prime Relief & Wellness, we offer multiple traditional methods to match each patient’s needs.
Diversified Technique
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The most common adjustment style
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Includes high-velocity, low-amplitude movements (the classic “pop”)
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Helps restore proper spinal motion
Thompson Technique
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Uses a specially designed table with drop pieces
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Minimizes force while maximizing effectiveness
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Great for pelvic balancing and low back pain
Gonstead Technique
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Precise and highly specific
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Uses X-rays, motion analysis, and palpation
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Ideal for discs, low back pain, and chronic misalignments
Which Technique Is Right for You?
Every patient’s body is different — which is why we provide customized chiropractic care based on:
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Your symptoms
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Structural imbalances
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Past injuries
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Comfort level
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X-ray findings
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Mobility and lifestyle
Our goal is always the same: restore alignment, reduce pain, and help you feel and function at your best.
Experience Expert Chiropractic Care in Rutherford
At Prime Relief & Wellness, we combine advanced technology with hands-on expertise to deliver safe, effective, and personalized spinal adjustments. Whether you’re experiencing acute pain or seeking long-term wellness care, our team is here to guide your recovery.
👉 Book your chiropractic evaluation today and start moving pain-free again.
