So why do some chiropractors adjust extremities? First let's explain what we mean by an extremity or extremities. When chiropractors speak of extremities we will be talking about the joints of the body besides the joints in the spine. This would include: the jaw, ribs, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, fingers, hip, knee, ankle, foot, and toes.

Chiropractors have always looked to the spine for fixations, subluxations, and joint impropriety. These fixations, subluxations, and joint impropriety can also occur in your extremities. These extremity problems can sometimes cause chronic spinal problems. Most often the spine will be checked and adjusted before an extremity will be checked and adjusted (Extremity Adjustments should compliment Spinal Adjustments).

Possible symptoms of extremity fixations, subluxation, and joint impropriety include:

• pain in the extremities or in extremity joints
• fatigue in the extremities
• weakness in the extremities
• catches in the extremity joints
• stiffness or immobility in the extremity joints
• chronic cervical problems
• chronic back problems

The goal of extremity adjusting will be to analyze the extremity, evaluate the extremity, establish an extremity treatment plan and co-ordinate this plan with the spinal treatment plan.