What Causes Joint Restriction in the Spine?

By Sara Butler Your chiropractor is an expert of the spine, specifically of misalignments - or what your chiropractor refers to as “subluxations.” Subluxations can happen to anyone at any time, and if they aren’t dealt with can lead to a host of problems down the road. But how do spinal misalignments happen? Here’s a breakdown of ways in which spinal misalignments can happen to you and how your chiropractor can treat them Why Are Misalignments a Big Deal? When your spine isn’t aligned it can create a painful condition that will get worse over time. Eventually, spinal misalignments can cause the joints to deteriorate if they are not repaired. They also put stress on every single system in your body, which can lead to health problems in addition to discomfort. The Causes of Spinal Misalignments There are several factors that can contribute to misalignments of your spine. Some of the more common causes include: • Car accidents – Whiplash is a major cause of spinal misalignment and also quite common. The sudden deceleration involved in automobile accidents can impact the spine – even if the injury itself doesn’t seem severe. Eventually, whiplash will lead to pain if left untreated. That’s why no matter how you feel after a car accident you should see your chiropractor as soon as possible! • Sports injuries – Engaging in sports is healthy and something many people enjoy. They can also be a danger to your body if you don’t take steps to manage any injuries you may suffer from when you participate in sports. Many different types of sports injuries can cause spinal misalignments, including falls, collisions, and blows to the head. That’s why it’s important to see a chiropractor regularly if you like playing sports and wear protective gear as you play. • Surgery – If your body has been manipulated while you were under anesthesia you may discover a spinal misalignment when you wake up. Any type of procedure can result in a spinal misalignment, so make sure you consult with a chiropractor both before and after any surgery. • Childhood development – Children are just as susceptible to spinal misalignments as adults. The major milestones reached during development, such as walking, can cause misalignments since falling is a part of the learning process. Any kind of impact can cause a misalignment, which is why it’s just as important for your child to see a chiropractor as it is for you. For more information about spinal misalignments and how your chiropractor can treat them, come into The Joint Chiropractic today!