Accidents. Accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal misalignments. Motor vehicle accidents, accidents at work, or a sport related accident, can force the body to stop too quickly or become forced into a position that compromises the spine. Consequently, vertebral subluxations can occur.
Your spine may be out of line from just one of your vertebrae being pulled out of its place. This is called a spinal subluxation. An injury is often the reason for your vertebrae to be pulled out of line, but stress, inactivity, obesity, and poor posture are also reasons your spine may have alignment issues.
Having a misaligned spine can affect your general health and increase the risk of several chronic conditions. You may experience poor posture, decreased mobility, permanent joint deformities, respiratory problems, a reduced range of motion, and several other problems.
Misalignment is often corrected with spinal fusion surgery. During this procedure, the spine is fused in a correct position with screws and rods.
Aches and Pains. Chronic pain is one of the symptoms of a misaligned spine. Depending on where the misalignment is, whether it's higher up the spine or in the lumbar region, it could cause headaches and neck and back pain. The spinal cord is a conduit between the brain and the nerves throughout the body.
Misalignment is often corrected with spinal fusion surgery. During this procedure, the spine is fused in a correct position with screws and rods.
In total, the average person requires anywhere between 18-24 adjustments over approximately 9-14 weeks to complete all three phases of chiropractic care (pain relief, stabilization, rehabilitation).
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment for any spinal misalignments. Even in cases where more intervention may be needed, it is the best first step towards maintaining or restoring mobility and a pain-free back.
Similarly, emotional stress can result in spinal misalignment (subluxation) along with the severe nerve impact those misalignments can make. Except for major physical traumas, it is likely that almost all spinal issues occur as a result of a combination of physical, chemical, and emotional stresses upon the body.
A chiropractic adjustment is a therapeutic treatment by a licensed chiropractor. Your chiropractor will use pressure to manipulate joints in your body to realign your spine and reduce pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments complement traditional medical care you receive.
If the spine is not properly aligned, damage can occur to the nervous system which throws off the internal balance of the body. This misalignment can manifest itself by causing extreme tiredness and a lack of energy.
Walking improves your muscles strength and gives your body the tools you need to heal naturally. Visiting a chiropractor will get your spine properly aligned, but walking on a consistent basis will help keep your back in alignment. When your spine is aligned, you have less pain and your mobility should improve.
So, although a misalignment won't cause paralysis, it can affect many of the functions of the body. The nerves that are most likely to be affected by a C1 and C2 misalignment are named for the vertebrae from which they exit.
Chronic stress induces transient spinal neuroinflammation, triggering sensory hypersensitivity and long-lasting anxiety-induced hyperalgesia. Pain. 2010 Aug;150(2):358-368.
Because the spine has so many nerves in and around it, a misalignment can affect the integrity of the whole body. A misaligned vertebra can pinch nerves, restrict blood flow, and cause inflammation that interferes with an individual's quality of life.
A person seeking adjustment for prevention or wellness purposes can typically expect a treatment plan that extends for about nine to 10 weeks. The standard schedule is one appointment a week for a window lasting nine to 10 weeks. However, this is something that you can personalize with your chiropractor.
It varies widely and can range anywhere from $30 to $300 a visit. Chiropractic care is covered by many health insurance providers. Check with your health provider for specific information about your plan.
Sleeping flat on your back will help keep your spine aligned and it allows your body to follow its natural curve so you aren't putting any unnecessary pressure on your back. To help keep this curve in the most natural position possible, place a small pillow underneath your neck and one under your knees.
L'Italien recommends the "big three" exercises developed by Dr. Stuart McGill, an expert in spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo in Canada. They are the curl-up, the side plank, and the bird-dog. "These exercises engage all the important muscles needed to improve spine stability," says L'Italien.
If the spine is out of alignment, it can disrupt the three core functions that we just discussed above. This can lead to low energy, pain, brain fog, and other general health related symptoms.
If the vertebrae in the spine are improperly aligned, it can cause a misfire in the signals they send to the nerves of the digestive system, including those in the stomach and intestines. The result is many of the commonly reported digestive ailments we hear about, or experience ourselves.
Neck, hip, and knee discomfort are among the most common symptoms of spine misalignment.