Prone Adjusting

Precise, comfortable chiropractic adjustments done while you lie face down. They realign specific spine bones to ease targeted back and neck pain. From our experienced chiropractors at Remix Medical in Houston, TX.

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By Alham Samani, DC · Doctor of ChiropracticReviewed Apr 7, 20242 min read

It is not unusual for people's vertebrae to shift as they move about their daily activities. Some people might even have discomfort that stems from their vertebrae shifting out of alignment. When people visit the chiropractor, there are a variety of techniques that the chiropractor might use to adjust the vertebrae and move them back into position. One of these techniques is the prone adjusting technique — a pleasant method used to move specific vertebrae back into position.

Did You Know?

Many people don't realize that the prone adjusting technique is used to adjust specific vertebrae in the back rather than the spine as a whole. Whereas some techniques adjust every vertebra in the spine, the prone adjusting technique targets specific vertebrae that need to move back into place.

Will This Procedure Hurt?

The prone adjusting technique does not cause the patient any pain or discomfort. Patients should rest easy during the procedure. When the patient is relaxed, the procedure has a greater chance of being performed successfully.

Stage	What happens
Before	You lie face-down on a table designed for low-force adjustments
During	The adjustment is delivered gently, without twisting the spine
After	Most people return to normal activity right away

Why Did My Vertebrae Move Out of Position?

There are a wide variety of causes for vertebrae moving out of alignment. Some people's vertebrae will shift out of position more often than others. These are individual-dependent and are best addressed on a case-by-case basis by the chiropractor.

Will My Vertebrae Move Out of Position Again After the Procedure?

It is possible that the vertebrae could shift again after the procedure. For some people, one adjustment might be enough. For other patients, more than one adjustment might be required. Preventative medicine is the best medicine, and these techniques are best addressed with each patient individually.

Is It Appropriate to Receive More Than One Type of Adjustment?

It is not uncommon for people to require multiple types of adjustment to address a variety of issues. Some patients have issues that are best addressed with multiple chiropractic techniques. A chiropractor will discuss this in detail with each patient at the visit.

How it's performed

The patient lies face down on a chiropractic table, often one fitted with a drop mechanism that lowers slightly as the thrust is delivered. The chiropractor identifies the specific vertebral segment to be treated by palpation and motion testing, then applies a controlled, low-amplitude thrust directed at that segment. Because the patient remains prone and the spine is not rotated, the technique avoids the twisting used in side-posture manipulation, which makes it more comfortable and better tolerated by many older patients. It is a low-force variant of chiropractic spinal manipulation aimed at individual segments rather than the spine as a whole.

How to prepare

No special preparation is needed, and there is no fasting. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring any relevant imaging and share your full history, particularly osteoporosis, recent spinal surgery, fractures, or blood thinners, so the chiropractor can select a safe technique.

What to expect after

Response is reviewed over a short course of visits, with the plan adjusted to the patient's progress rather than continued open-endedly. If symptoms are not improving after a reasonable trial, the approach is reconsidered and, where appropriate, the patient is referred for imaging or medical evaluation. Adjustments are frequently combined with exercise and other in-house therapies for a more durable result.

Outcome

Patients typically report reduced localized back or neck pain and improved mobility at the treated segment. Spinal manipulation has moderate-quality evidence for modest short-term relief of low back and neck pain; the prone, low-force variant is chosen mainly for comfort and tolerability rather than because it is proven superior. It works best as part of an active plan that includes exercise, not as a standalone or indefinitely repeated treatment.

Frequently asked

Prone Adjusting questions, answered

Is prone adjusting gentler than a regular adjustment?

Yes. Because it doesn't twist the spine, it's often a good fit for people who find rotational adjustments uncomfortable, including many older adults.

Who is prone adjusting good for?

It suits people with acute pain, larger body types, or those who prefer a low-force approach. Your chiropractor can tell you if it fits your situation.

What is prone adjusting?

It's a chiropractic technique done while you lie face-down on a special table, using a gentle, low-force thrust. It avoids the twisting of traditional adjustments.

Does prone adjusting hurt?

It's generally comfortable, with most people feeling a quick, gentle pressure. Tell your chiropractor about osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or surgery so the approach can be tailored.

What conditions does prone adjusting help?

It's used for back and neck pain, stiffness, and joint restrictions, and is often combined with exercise and other therapies for lasting results.

SpecialtyChiropractic MedicineTypeProcedureBody locationCervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebral segmentsCPT code98940 (CMT, 1-2 spinal regions), 98941 (3-4 regions), 98942 (5 regions)

Also called Prone Adjustment, Thompson Drop Technique, Drop-Table Adjustment, Prone Chiropractic Adjustment, Low-Force Spinal Manipulation

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Whether a given procedure is appropriate depends on your individual evaluation. Contact a Remix Medical clinician to discuss your care.

Updated April 7, 2024. Medically reviewed by Alham Samani, DC.