In the spaces between your vertebrae, there are discs. When you move, your motion keeps the discs hydrated by walking the vertebrae over the healthy disc, squeezing it back and forth, and replenishing nutrient levels in the disc.
When you have an injury, some areas of the spine can become “fixated”. This results in abnormal motion between the vertebrae and it affects the discs, nerves and blood supply in the area. Some other causes of fixation can include inactivity, poor postural habits, and congenital conditions (conditions at birth) which cause malformations of the vertebrae.
Once an area is fixated, adjoining vertebral segments will start moving together as one unit, rather than as two separate units. Long-term abnormal function of this type can result in joint wear and tear, moisture loss in the disc, disc thinning and degeneration, pain, and abnormal function in the nerves, muscles and blood vessels in the area.
Another result of fixation is a secondary one. In order to stay upright, the spine compensates for dysfunctional segments. If one area is fixated and is moving less (or not at all), another area above or below will move more than it should. This hyper-mobility leads to more of the same problems… joint wear and tear, degeneration, and abnormal function in the area.
If you remove the fixation then the disc can heal, and you can stop the degeneration process. Unfortunately, you can’t reverse the process to make the area “like new” again, but you can stop it from going forward and can keep the area healthy – as long as you restore good function and keep the vertebra in proper motion.
Chiropractic can help by removing the fixation, restoring the function and putting the patient on the right track to a healthier back, and a healthier overall lifestyle. A thorough examination by a doctor of chiropractic can determine how chiropractic can help you. Technological advances have been made in diagnosis and treatment. Low-impact, gentle treatments are available and can help you reduce pain and dysfunction and achieve a healthy balance.
Dr. Gregory K. Alexander is a 1987 Cum Laude graduate of Western States Chiropractic College. He is trained in PulStar adjusting and analysis and is an Activator Technique Advance Proficiency Doctor. Alexander Chiropractic is located in Spring, Texas, north of Houston.
Check out our website www.alexchiro.com
