Spinal Alignment

Although alignment is important for your whole body, chiropractors specialize in alignment of the spine. The spine (comprising 24 vertebrae plus the sacrum and coccyx) creates a hollow tube in which the spinal cord - a sensitive collection of nerve tissue - can be found. The peripheral nerves originate from the spinal cord, and then branch out to all other areas of the body. The spinal cord plus all peripheral nerves function collectively as the communication network that allows the brain to monitor and regulate the entire body – via electronic signals. If the spine is not aligned properly, this can disrupt this important messaging network of nerves and nerve impulses, leading to dysregulation and disease in any area of the body!

As early as 1921, medical scientists were revealing the importance of the spine. In a landmark study conducted by Dr. Henry Winsor, he showed that ‘minor curvatures of the spine’ (subluxations) were directly associated with organ disease in 50 human cadavers. Out of 139 diseased organs found in the dissections, 128 of these cases directly correlated to abnormal minor curvatures of the spine in the exact location of the sympathetic nerve supply to that organ! And, for the 9 other diseased organs, minor curvatures of the spine affected the adjacent segments, in areas where nerve filaments could still exit the spine to supply those organs. Dr. Winsor concluded that there was nearly a 100% correlation between minor curvatures of the spine (vertebral subluxations) and diseased organ tissue!

Proper Alignment

You may have heard chiropractors such as myself saying that proper "alignment" is good for your health, but what does it really mean to have good alignment?

Depending upon its intended purpose, a joint is designed to move in a number of different directions (i.e. a hinge joint, or a ball-andsocket joint). Alignment helps to insure the proper balance of stability and mobility. When the alignment of the two connecting parts is ideal, the joint will function as it was originally intended. When the connecting parts are out of alignment, natural movements ar restricted. Different parts of the joint make contact with each other, creating friction and resistance.  Increased friction also results in requiring more energy to perform routine motions.

Not only can this affect functionality, but it also leads to abnormal wear and tear – causing the lifespan of the joint to shorten. Think of the body: the knee joint functions as a simple hinge, with movement in two directions – flexion and extension. If there is misalignment coming from above or below the knee, this can lead to excessive friction and heat in the knee itself (inflammation), which can lead to early degeneration (osteoarthritis).

Happy New Year

May your new year be filled with success, growth, and great relationships!