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).