A misaligned spine, also known as a subluxation, is a condition in which a disc, or vertebrae, in the spine is out of position. This often leads to relative nerve issues that impact your body in a variety of ways causing a variety of ailments and conditions.
Why see a doctor of Chiropractic?
A doctor of chiropractic care, aka D.C., is a type of medical professional that specializes in both the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including the spine. Where a medical doctor, aka M.D., may specialize in medicine.
Spinal adjustments, or spinal manipulation, is a very common technic for DCs. After their assessment. and proper diagnosis of your condition, the doctor will likely have you lie down where they will physically adjust your joints and tissues as necessary to reduce pain and inflammation. They may also use an activator, a small hand-held device, or any number of additional tools and procedures as your situation requires. In most cases, though you may feel some immediate relief, it will take multiple sessions over time to correct the subluxation more permanently.
What causes subluxations?
Another term for this is a “vertebral subluxation.” This shifting or irregular moving of the spinal discs can be the cause of a wide range of displeasing symptoms and diseases. Limited range of motion, inflammation, spasms, pain, and herniated discs are among the more common. What are some of the most common causes for this spinal misalignments:
Incorrect sleeping position
We’ve all “slept wrong” and woken up with an arm “asleep” or tingling. But being positioned incorrectly while sleeping can put stress on the spine causing misalignment.
Scoliosis and Growth Deformities
Scoliosis and other growth deformities also trigger vertebral misalignments. This is one of the reasons our practice offers growth check-ups for children. The sooner you can disagnose possible curvature or misalignment in the spine, the less pain and discomfort your child can be faced with.
Repetitive Movements
Often a result of labor at work, sports or hobbies, or just habit, repeating the same motion over and over can move spinal discs out of position over time. If you feel sore, you need to ask yourself why. If it continues, make an appointment with out office to make sure everything is ok with your body.
Nutrition / Poor Diet
Though it may be hard to believe, your diet, what you eat, can affect your spine over time. Without a nutritious diet, aka eating “junk foods” and “empty calories”, your bones and tissues surrounding your spine can become weak which can lead to disease or injury. This is one of the main reasons why we encourage nutrition education and guidance.
Stress
Another trigger can be emotional stress that causes unpleasant physical symptoms. Stress causes a rise in blood pressure and increased muscle tension, and an increase or cortisol and other bodily hormones. These can force your discs out of place.
Warning Signs and Things To Look For
Symptoms of spinal misalignment are things that should be considered warning signs of a possibly growing issue in your body. Set up an appointment to be checked out by the doctor of chiropractic if you have any of the following symptoms:
Tingling / Numbness in your hands or feet
Hip Pain
Neck Pain
Back Pain / Lower Back Pain
Knee Pain
Elbow, Wrist, or Ankle Pain
Joint Deformities
Your Shoes Wear Unevenly
Loss of Motion / Impaired Mobility / Changes in Range of Motion
Repetitive Headaches
Changes or Difficulties with Walking
Stiffness in Joints
Poor Posture
Difficulty Breathing / Respiratory Problems
Frequently Sick / Repetative Illness
