Learn the difference between 3 common drop tables

Drop tables are chiropractic tables that raise an inch or two in various areas of the body (namely, the neck, upper back, lower back, and pelvic region), allowing the chiropractor to manually adjust a patient easily with the use of gravity.

This requires less use of force on behalf of the chiropractic professional, as well as a more comfortable experience for the patient who is receiving the adjustment since the doctor can adjust the tension based on the individual patient’s treatment needs.

Drop tables come in a variety of styles, each offering its own benefits and advantages. Here are three of the most common drop table options, with highlights as to what each one does, as well as what makes it different than the others that are currently available.

Segmental drop table

A segmental drop table refers to a chiropractic table that has various sections that drop, allowing that particular area of the spine to naturally move into a position that benefits the areas surrounding it. Although originally created for the cervical area of the spine, it is now used to correct misalignments over the entire spine.

Air powered drop table

Air powered drop tables are essentially segmental drop tables in which the four drops are powered by air compression. This provides easier manipulations for the chiropractic professional when moving the patient into just the right position for a proper spinal adjustment. Also, if the patient is larger than the doctor, an air powered drop table makes the spinal manipulation easier to obtain.

Stationary drop table

Stationary drop tables have the same four drop sections often used by chiropractic professionals, but they are considered stationary as they do not lower the patient from a standing position to a horizontal, or lying, position. It is simply a drop table that stays in place, which also means that it requires lower maintenance and has fewer parts that could possibly malfunction. Additionally, the cost of this particular drop table tends to be lower, which is beneficial for the chiropractic professional who is working within a tighter budget.