Are you addicted to 'crack'?
Other adjusting techniques may help you break the habit
By Tedd Koren, DC

Are you addicted to "crack" — the sound emitted when you make an abrupt adjustment on a patient?

A lot of doctors like to use the technique that "cracks" the patient's back because it is easy, quick, and can get dramatic results as old stress patterns are suddenly shifted and released.

The cracking sound doctors (and patients) often expect doesn't mean the subluxation has been corrected. Sometimes doctors use a little more force just to get the sound, which can be dangerous.

Some doctors and patients are addicted to "crack." Perhaps it's because of the sound; or, perhaps because they experience a release of endorphins associated with some stress release. Cracking backs can be emotionally satisfying.

But is it healing? Is it chiropractic? In a word: No.

If you realize you are addicted to crack or are tired of all the "cracking jokes" associated with chiropractic, it's time to move on to other procedures.

The most common reasons for breaking out of a comfort zone to acquire and use a technique include:

• Physical limitations. The doctor is physically damaged from years of adjusting and needs something less traumatic to his/her body;

• Personal health issues. The doctor has health issues and is looking for something that can help him/her;

• Dissatisfied with results. The doctor is dissatisfied with his/her present system and wants better results with corresponding practice growth; and

• Personal development. The doctor likes to learn and grow.

Some in our profession say it doesn't matter what technique you use, as long as you have the correct attitude. However, not all techniques are created equal and not all techniques work equally well.

Imagine if medical doctors said, "It doesn't matter which drug I give people, as long as my attitude is correct?" It's just as silly as chiropractors saying it.

WHICH TECHNIQUE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Deciding which technique to use is like deciding which school is right for you. Here are some questions to ponder:

• Is the technique a good fit? Your choice of technique should be a good fit with your philosophy of chiropractic.

Techniques vary between being vitalistic and mechanistic. Some treat the body like a machine; others like a living organism that is constantly changing, and adapting to its environment.

• Is it specific? Some techniques are general and introduce forces. Others address specific conditions in the body.

• Do you know if the subluxation/dysfunction was corrected? Just because you get a sound does not mean the subluxation has been fixed.

• Do you get results? If so, are they long-lasting? Are subluxations really corrected or do they keep coming back?

• Is it cost-effective? Some techniques are very expensive to learn and implement because of investment in machinery and staff training. However, the real calculation needs to be measured in a cost-benefit analysis. If the invest-ment pays off because it results in more satisfied patients — who, in turn, refer other patients — it is worthwhile.

Some doctors choose to learn new techniques for personal development. They want to extend the enjoyment they get from work.

And sometimes just doing something different can turn on your staff and practice.

Finally, consider this: Chiropractic was founded on medical failures. So often, chiropractors took people whom medicine abandoned and gave them back their lives.

Are you seeing miracles in your practice? If you're not, change your technique.

Tedd Koren, DC, is a world-renowned author and educator and the developer of Koren Specific Technique (KST), a low-force, specific adjustment technique done without the need of an adjusting table. KST doctors can also adjust themselves. He can be contacted at 800-537-3001 or through his Web site at www.teddkorenseminars.com.