Spinal Misalignment can lead to a wide variety of unexpected health problems. These problems range from limb pain and numbness through to fatigue and frequent headaches.
The spine is a critical part of the human body. It provides rigidity and flexibility to the torso, letting you perform essential tasks like moving your limbs, standing upright, and walking. Without a spine, we wouldn’t be able to perform simple tasks that we take for granted.
The spine also protects the spinal cord, which is a column of nerve tissue running from the base of the skull to the middle of the back. The spinal cord sends signals between the brain and the body which facilitate movement, reflexes, and bodily sensations.
In this guide, our Fareham chiropractor shares the signs and symptoms of spinal misalignment.
Symptoms Of Spinal Misalignment
The spine is made up of a stack of vertebra bones, which run from the base of the skull to the pelvis. It plays many important roles, including:
- Protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots
- Providing attachment points to muscles
- Supporting the trunk
- Acting as a site for haemopoiesis (the formation of blood cells)
Because of the many important roles that the spine plays and the nerves it protects, spinal misalignment can have some unexpected symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (caused by nerve compression)
- Chronic headaches
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Impaired mobility
- Stiffness
- Excessive fatigue
- Walking abnormalities
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.
How Spinal Misalignments Can Be Treated
Exercise
Spinal misalignment is often related to a sedentary lifestyle. This is because being sedentary can weaken the muscles that support the spine, allowing the spine to take an abnormal shape. People who spend a lot of time sitting are also more likely to have poor posture, which can affect the health of the spine over time. The best way to counteract a sedentary lifestyle is to add more exercise to your day.
Some of the best exercise choices for strengthening the muscles that support the spine include:
- Walking
It is a free, low impact form of exercise that can dramatically improve the health of the spine. Try to walk 30 to 60 minutes per day. If you haven’t walked for a while, start with a short walk and gradually increase each session’s duration. - Stretches
Stretching will strengthen the muscles in the core and lower back which support the spine — helping to rectify spinal misalignment. - Body weight exercises
Bodyweight exercises which improve core strength can also be useful. The Plank is one of the simplest exercises for dealing with spinal misalignments. Although it looks easy, it can be strenuous, so start with short intervals and work your way up. - Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. There are many poses which are effective at correcting spinal misalignments including the Cat Cow Pose.
Before undertaking any new form of exercise you should consult a health care professional if you are suffering a pre-existing health condition or in pain.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with special emphasis on the spine. It emphasises manual therapy including spinal manipulation and other joint and soft tissue treatment. Exercises and health and lifestyle coaching form part of the package of care.
Chiropractic is a safe and effective form of help for musculoskeletal pain. There are many different types of treatment used by Chiropractors, some exclusive to Chiropractors, some used by other health care professionals. All treatment types are discussed and approved with the patient before being used and are appropriate to the individual person and the condition being treated.
Chiropractic Treatment At Homewood Chiropractic Clinic in Fareham
Our professionally qualified team of chiropractors at Homewood Chiropractic Clinic provide the highest quality of chiropractic care. On your first visit to the clinic, your chiropractor will undertake a comprehensive consultation and examination to determine how best to care for you.
Following your consultation and examination, your chiropractor, will talk you through how we may be able to help you. Any questions or concerns that you have will be answered. A treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs using techniques that are appropriate. Your chiropractor may advise on exercises to aid your recovery and/or lifestyle choices which may be beneficial.
If you are currently in pain or discomfort our chiropractic team are here to help you. To book an appointment call us on 01329 280 283 or book an appointment online on our website here.
Our Experience Counts: 55 Years in Fareham
Serving the people of Fareham, and surrounding areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the local areas of Whiteley, Hedge End, Locks Heath & Portchester
