
Spinal cord injuries can affect overall health, mobility, balance and even neurological function. But a healthy spine is the foundation of the body’s structure, flexibility and reduces the risk of sprains and strains. A study from University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) emphasizes the importance of spinal health in preventing and managing spine related conditions.
Chiropractic therapy is a non-invasive approach that promotes spinal health, improves posture and alleviates discomfort due to misalignment. This post will talk about the functions of the spinal cord, types of spinal injuries and how chiropractic can contribute to spinal health and overall wellness.
An Extensive Look on Spinal Cord Function
The spinal cord is at the core of your central nervous system. It’s what allows messages to flow between your brain and the rest of your body. When your spine is healthy, you can expect to feel stable, mobile and well.
Here are the key functions of the spinal cord:
- Stability and Support: Your spine is the foundation of your body’s structure. It helps you stand upright and move freely-without it, you wouldn’t be able to do either.
- Movement: When your spine is properly aligned and there is no subluxation, your movements are smooth and pain-free. You’re less likely to feel stiff or inflexible.
- Shock absorption: Those intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers. They cushion the impact of activities like walking, running and lifting, so your vertebrae don’t have to bear the brunt.
- Neurological integrity: The spinal cord houses and safeguards the nerve pathways that control your motor functions and reflexes. That means seamless communication between your brain and the rest of you.
Maintaining that spinal health is crucial. When your spine is out of whack, you can end up with chronic pain and mobility problems. A healthy spine is the foundation of overall wellness. That’s why preventive care chiropractic treatment is so important.
Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries vary in severity. They can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. These injuries fall into two categories:
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
An incomplete spinal cord injury means the spinal cord is only partially damaged. Some sensory and motor functions remain. Patients with incomplete injuries may retain some movement or sensation below the affected area. With proper rehabilitation, including chiropractic treatment, they may experience improved mobility and function.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensation and function below the injury site. This type of injury can lead to permanent paralysis. It significantly affects daily activities and independence. Treatment options vary. Chiropractic treatment, including chiropractic massage, can help manage pain and improve blood circulation.
How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help
Chiropractic therapy offers various techniques to improve spinal health. A doctor of chiropractic performs different treatments to address spinal misalignment and promote overall well-being. These include:
- Spinal Manipulation or Chiropractic Adjustment: This technique realigns the spine to improve mobility and relieve pain. Chiropractors use a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust to adjust the vertebrae. This method helps restore proper function and reduce nerve interference.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: This treatment targets muscles and ligaments around the spine. It reduces tension, improves circulation, and helps with pain management.
- Posture Correction: Chiropractors assess and correct posture issues that contribute to spinal strain. Proper posture reduces stress on the spine and prevents conditions like tech neck, which results from prolonged screen use.
- Lifestyle Advice: Patients receive guidance on ergonomics, proper movement, and daily habits that support spinal health. A doctor of chiropractic may recommend exercises and adjustments to prevent further strain on the spine.
Regular chiropractic massage can help maintain a healthy spine, improve flexibility, and prevent long-term spinal issues.
Chiropractic Adjustments Aim to Achieve the Following
Chiropractic treatment works because it lets your body do what it does best: heal itself. When your spine is properly aligned, you can expect to see improvements in how you feel—and how you move.
- Alleviating pressure on the spinal cord and nerves: When your vertebrae are out of place, they can put pressure on your nerves—leading to pain and restricted movement. Chiropractic adjustments relieve that pressure, allowing your nerves to function the way they should.
- Improving blood flow and nerve conductivity: When your spine is in alignment, your body can circulate blood and send nerve signals efficiently throughout your body. That means you’ll feel the benefits of chiropractic care in your daily life.
- Reducing pain and inflammation: When your spine is in alignment, your body can circulate blood and send nerve signals efficiently throughout your body. That means you’ll feel the benefits of chiropractic care in your daily life.
- Encouraging the healing process: Restoring alignment and reducing strain—just by being in the right position—lets your body do what it does best: recover from injuries and chronic conditions. That’s what chiropractic care is all about.
Things to Remember When Seeking Treatment
Chiropractic care can be great but here are a few things to keep in mind before you start:
- Not a magic pill: Chiropractic care can relieve pain and improve spinal function but use it in conjunction with other medical treatments when needed.
- See a reputable provider: Make sure you see a licensed and experienced chiropractor. A qualified doctor of chiropractic knows spinal health and uses the right techniques for each patient.
- Not for everyone: Chiropractic adjustments are not recommended for people with certain medical conditions. Those who have had previous spinal surgery, advanced osteoporosis or severe disc herniation should consult a healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
- Chiropractic massage as a complementary therapy: In addition to spinal adjustments chiropractic massage can help with muscle tension, circulation and overall wellness. This is great for people with chronic pain or recovering from an injury.
Knowing these things will help you make informed decisions about your spinal health and overall well being.
Improve Your Mobility with Expert Chiropractic Care
Your spine is at the core of your well-being, supporting everything from movement to posture and overall comfort. Whether you’re dealing with persistent pain or want to maintain flexibility and balance, chiropractic care can be a valuable solution. A doctor of chiropractic can help you identify underlying issues, improve mobility, and support your body’s natural healing process.If you’re ready to feel better, move easier, and live pain-free, it’s time to take action. At Posture Perfect Chiropractic, our experienced team guides you toward a healthier spine. Schedule your appointment now and start your journey to improved spinal health and overall wellness!
During chiro treatment the chiropractor applies controlled force to your joints, especially to correct spinal alignment and relieve pain and discomfort. These adjustments work along with medical treatments to support your overall health plan.
Spinal manipulation therapy helps accelerate healing for minor back problems by properly positioning the vertebrae in your spine. This realignment offers several advantages, including reducing compression on the spinal cord and enhancing circulation throughout the body.
Studies demonstrate that vertebral adjustments are effective for treating specific forms of lower back discomfort. Evidence also indicates that chiropractic care may be beneficial for headaches and other conditions involving the spine, including cervical pain.