Why Spinal Alignment Is So Important

A misaligned spine can cause a cascade of physical health issues, including hypertension, migraines, and more. Because the spine serves as the central hub for all your nerves and mobility, you need to maintain its neurological and musculoskeletal health. 

With regular visits to a spinal expert, you can develop a chiropractic therapy plan that helps you diagnose the root cause of any discomfort, correct spinal misalignment, and manage your symptoms. 

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, chiropractic specialists Jamie Ricks and John Trachsel deliver expert chiropractic care, including spinal alignment, to help alleviate pain, correct posture, and support you as you live your best life. 

The importance of correct spinal alignment

Spinal anatomy is remarkably complex, combining interlocking bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The spinal column protects nerves and blood vessels, making it one of the most important areas of the body. 

Pain along any area of the spine, including through the sciatic nerve down into the legs, can result from spinal misalignment or an injury that damages cartilage, discs, or other soft tissues. It can also stem from nerves pinched because of injury or degenerative disc disease. 

Correcting the alignment of the spine can often reduce or eliminate pain, improper gait, stiffness, or discomfort when sitting, standing, walking, or lying down. Taking care of your spine allows you to lead an active life and stay healthy as you age.

Signs of incorrect spinal alignment 

The spine comprises four key areas: cervical (from the base of the skull down and around the neck), thoracic (the middle of the spine), lumbar (the entire lower back), and sacral (the base of your pelvis, encompassing your tailbone) 

You might experience one or more of the following symptoms of spinal misalignment:

• Stiffness 
• Poor posture
• Chronic headaches
• Reduced mobility and motion
• One shoe that wears out before the other
• Pain in the neck, back, hips, legs, or tailbone
• Numbness or tingling in your extremities
• Excessive fatigue 
• Sciatica

None of these symptoms confirm spinal misalignment, but a misaligned spine can cause all of them, and having several symptoms at once makes this diagnosis even more likely.

Finding alignment 

There are many ways to improve spinal alignment and achieve a healthy spine, or at least improve your spinal health to reduce symptoms. You can do this at home using guided stretches and exercises or seek professional help from a specialist. 

Our team of medical and chiropractic experts can help diagnose spinal abnormalities and find solutions that work for you. Your personalized treatment plan might include one or more of the following treatments: 

• Massage therapy
• Mechanical traction 
• Red light laser therapy
• Chiropractic manipulation 
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Decompression therapy
• Physiotherapy 

To learn more about proper spinal alignment and seek help for your back pain, schedule a consultation. Call 208-213-7963 or request an appointment online today.