Spinal Adjustments
Many people don’t realize how critical spinal health is to the proper functioning of not only the musculoskeletal system but the entire body. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can occur from trauma and injury, in addition to toxins and stress. Chiropractors are the only healthcare providers trained to diagnose and treat subluxations. These misalignments hinder the optimal function of the nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and a network of nerve cells and fibers that transmit signals to different parts of the body.
Through the chiropractic adjustment of the spine and the removal of subluxations, chiropractic physicians help to return the body to a normal state, reducing tension, pain and the overall likelihood of injury.
Misalignment of the spine can cause unnecessary tension on one particular body part and prevent the equal distribution of pressure. If these misalignments are ignored, injury and/or chronic problems are inevitable. Improper alignments of the spine and pelvis are most commonly related to repetitive movements on unvarying surfaces. If you are a runner, for example, and your spine is not in alignment, you can cause serious damage to tissues, nerves, and joints that are distributing weight improperly. Change up what you do and where you do it to help those improper alignments from occurring. Improper alignments can also occur with sitting in the same position–such as at work–for a long period of time. Varying your posture and getting up to move around at least every 30 minutes is a good way to help avoid improper alignments. Regular adjustments to your spine is one of the best ways to prevent common injuries of the body.
Injury Prevention
- Receiving Spinal adjustments
- Developing muscle balance
- Ensuring pelvic alignment
- Warming up the right muscle groups
- Using the proper equipment
- Knowing when to rest your body
- Stopping when you feel pain
- Increasing range of motion
- Incorporating exercises for flexibility and strength
- Understanding dynamic vs. static stretching
- Respecting muscle stiffness–what it means and what to do about it
Being educated on these issues that contribute to injuries empowers you with the knowledge you need to avoid injury.