What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique used to restore movement to joints, most often in the spine, that have become restricted or misaligned. It's commonly used for neck pain, back pain, sciatica, headaches, and the general stiffness that builds up from repetitive strain, poor posture, or old injuries.

At Palmer Chiropractic, adjustments are used to take pressure off the affected joint or nerve so the surrounding muscles and tissue can function more normally. Some patients come in after a specific injury. Others come in because pain built up gradually, from years at a desk, a physically demanding job, or a sport that puts repeated stress on the same joints. Either way, the goal is the same: restore normal movement and reduce the irritation that's causing the discomfort.

How Dr. Palmer Approaches Chiropractic Care

Dr. Trace Palmer has practiced chiropractic in Richmond Hill for more than 30 years, following three generations of his family into the profession and spending years teaching future chiropractors at Life University. He works with a combination of techniques: Diversified, Thompson (drop table), and Activator, chosen based on what each patient's body responds to rather than a single default method.

A patient who prefers a lower-force adjustment might be treated with the Activator. Someone who responds well to a traditional manual adjustment might be treated with Diversified or Thompson. 

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What to Expect From Your Visit

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Assessment

Your first visit starts with a conversation about what's going on and a hands-on exam, so Dr. Palmer can understand what's actually driving the discomfort.
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Adjustment

Dr. Palmer applies the technique that fits your body and your comfort level, whether that's a traditional manual adjustment, the Thompson drop table, or the lower-force Activator.
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Follow-up

Most conditions respond better to a short series of visits than a single adjustment, so Dr. Palmer will talk through a realistic plan for your situation.

What Chiropractic Care Can Help With

Reduced Back and Neck Pain: Many patients report noticeable relief in the affected area within the first few visits.

Improved Range of Motion: Restricted joints often regain movement, making everyday activities easier.

Less Symptom-Chasing: Addressing the underlying joint restriction, not just the pain of the week, can reduce how often flare-ups happen.

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Chiropractic

Dr. Trace Palmer’s journey in chiropractic care is a wonderful story of healing and a passion for helping others. Growing up in a family filled with chiropractors for three generations, he naturally embraced a chiropractic lifestyle from a young age, learning the values of care and compassion early on. After graduating in 1995, he joined his father at Palmer Chiropractic Center, where he spent three fulfilling years helping others in a warm and supportive environment.

With a desire to make an even bigger difference, Dr. Trace took a leap and became part of an outreach program with Life University. For two incredible years, he worked as a faculty member in Costa Rica and Honduras, focusing on clinical outreach and providing care to communities in need. This experience not only sharpened his skills but also deepened his compassion for those he served, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.

When he returned to the United States, Dr. Trace dedicated eight more years to nurturing future chiropractors at Life University. Grateful for all he had learned, he decided to celebrate his 10th anniversary in the field by returning to private practice, eager to reconnect with patients on a more personal level.

On August 2, 2010, he opened the doors to Palmer Chiropractic in Richmond Hill, Georgia, taking a proud step as the sixth office established by the Palmer family in 1952. This new adventure isn’t just about continuing a family legacy; it’s a heartfelt commitment to providing compassionate care for his community.

Dr. Trace Palmer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients feel pressure or a brief release rather than pain. Dr. Palmer adjusts his approach, including using the lower-force Activator, for patients who prefer a gentler technique.
It depends on how long the issue has been building and how your body responds. Dr. Palmer will talk through a realistic plan after your first assessment rather than committing you to a fixed package upfront.
Yes. Dr. Palmer treats patients from their first days as newborns through every stage of life, adjusting his technique to fit the patient.
Palmer Chiropractic is in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare, and VA Community Care, among others. Call the office and we can help you check your specific plan.
Diversified and Thompson are both traditional manual adjustments, Thompson uses a drop table for a more gentle release. Activator uses a small handheld instrument for a lower-force adjustment. Which one fits best depends on your body and your comfort level.

Ready to Schedule Your Chiropractic Visit?

Dr. Palmer has been adjusting Richmond Hill patients for more than 30 years, and he's currently accepting new patients. If you're dealing with back pain, sciatica, neck pain, or stiffness that hasn't gone away on its own, book a visit and he'll walk you through what he's seeing and what a realistic plan looks like.

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Palmer Chiropractic

11258 Ford Ave,
Richmond Hill, GA
31324

912-756-3433

info@palmerchiroga.com

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