If you’ve not been feeling well for months and you can’t seem to figure out why your spine may be out of alignment. A misaligned spine interferes with nervous system function and can affect your overall health. Here are 4 telltale signs of spinal misalignment (subluxation) and how chiropractic care can help to restore balance.
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Back injury from an auto accident, a fall, trauma, or pressure on the lumbar spine can shift it out of position. Misalignment is also caused by spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra beneath it. Pressure on the intervertebral discs or nearby spinal nerves may rupture the disc, pinch the nerve, or cause inflammation. All of these factors can lead to chronic pain. Sciatica is another common low back pain complaint caused by a pinched sciatic nerve.
Long-Term Neck Pain
The flexible cervical (neck) spine supports the head and allows it to move in almost every direction. Be suspicious of misalignment if you experience neck pain and stiffness that does not go away. Whiplash is a common cause of cervical misalignment. Other causes include trauma to the head, poor posture during sleep, hunching, and emotional stress. Chronic neck pain is often accompanied by soreness, stiffness, or trouble moving the head. You may also feel pain, numbness, and tingling in the upper or lower extremities.
Frequent Headaches Or Migraines
The spine consists of nerves that run from the lower back to the base of the skull, then connect to nerves in the head and face. While headaches can start from something as simple as hunger, those that keep coming back may be related to subluxation anywhere along the spine. However, most migraines start at the base of the skull due to cervical nerve interference. The misaligned joint or bone puts pressure on the nerves and disrupts communication between the spinal cord and the brain. This triggers headaches or, sometimes, debilitating migraines.
Numbness And Tingling Sensations
Numbness, tingling, and weakness are surefire symptoms of spinal misalignment. The chief reason for these symptoms is spinal nerve compression, which can occur anywhere along the spine. Pressure on the nerve commonly results from a misaligned vertebra, herniated disc, or inflamed nerve roots. In most cases, the nerve in the neck or lower back is affected. Numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation may occur in the neck, upper back, shoulder, arm, or hand due to a pinched cervical nerve. The patient may feel similar symptoms in the buttocks, legs, or feet due to sciatica.
A Natural Solution For Spinal Misalignment
Spinal adjustment by a chiropractor is a safe and effective way to realign the spine. The chiropractor may use high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts to gently adjust the spine. This helps to take the pressure off the disc, nerve, and connective tissue, as well as restore nervous system functions. Spinal manipulation therapy also relieves chronic pain and improve mobility.