Misalignment Does Not "Just Happen"


The causes of spinal misalignment are many and varied. Some are more obvious than others, such as those caused by accidental injury to the back. Trauma of this nature demands immediate attention because of the pain and immobility, which generally accompanies it. Other causes can be far less visible. They tend to happen slowly and since the onset of symptoms is equally slow, we tend to get used to the discomfort or even learn to ignore it until its effects become so painful or disabling that we are driven to find relief.

Poor posture, bad sleeping habits, or improper lifting and carrying of heavy loads are only a few of the many causes of spinal misalignment. The causes may vary but the results are substantially the same... gradual displacement of the cervical vertebrae and the resulting dysfunction of the back, and often times, the entire body.


It is here that the Chiropractic Doctor applies his special training and skills; not simply in relieving the painful symptoms, but searching out and removing the underlying causes of the problem. The process of bringing the spinal structure back to its normal condition often requires the retraining of those muscles and ligaments which have become weakened and stretched through long periods of misuse. This retraining process begins with the first adjustment, but generally requires a series of carefully planned treatments to fully achieve permanent correction.


One of the most common causes of spinal misalignment problems is poor sleeping posture. Sleeping on one's stomach is very often a source of trouble. In this position, the cervical spine is placed in continual stress and causes shift of the vertebrae.The same shifting of the vertebrae can be caused by sleeping on one's back, with a pillow which is too high or too low for the body to rest in a normal position.To receive lasting benefit from Chiropractic adjustments, it may be necessary to adopt new, more natural sleeping habits, such as sleeping on the side or back using a pillow of the correct size and shape.

Since many of the nerves which travel through the vertebrae of the cervical spine serve all of the body's organs, it is obvious how any disruption of these vital impulses by subluxation, may result in serious illness,disability, and even early death.


The abnormal curvature of this spine resulting from a cervical misalignment (subluxation) may lead to a serious condition known as Scoliosis. It is obvious from this view of the spinal column that the body's normal ability to stand and freely move upright is greatly impaired. picture below represents a serious loss of the spine's normal curves. This situation typically results in a serious loss of spinal motion and the ability of the spine to support weight properly. These changes may cause disc problems, headaches, loss of sensation in various parts of the body, and a wide variety of the spinal and nervous system disorders commonly seen in Chiropractic offices.

The healthy spine, when viewed from the back, is relatively straight and provides a strong, flexible support for the weight of the torso. When viewed from the side, the normal spine shows curves, which help to distribute the body's shifting weight most effectively. These natural curves help balance the body's shifting center of gravity as it changes with body movement.




Abnormal "Orthogonal"Relationship of the Head, Neck, and Spine


This represents a misalignment (subluxation) and is typical of those commonly seen by the Chiropractor. In this example, the weight of the head is shifted to the right and is no longer centered over the spine. The vertebrae are now forced to the left causing a serious structural misalignment. The resulting distortion and stress of the spine may put pressure on the delicate nerves which pass through it causing pain, organ dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even the lowering of the body's natural resistance to illness.



Normal "Orthogonal"Alignment of the Head, Neck, and Spine

Illustrated below is the proper alignment of the head on the vertebrae of the spinal column.The weight of the head is centered and balanced correctly over the supporting vertebrae. The spinal vertebrae are correctly positioned in relationship to each other, and the path of the spinal nerves is clear and unobstructed permitting natural function and health.


Effects Of Spinal Misalignment