Spinal Maintenance Care
Spinal maintenance care can be defined as treatment delivered with the intent to prevent future pain and degeneration in the spine as well as increase function of nervous system and spine.
The main goal of spinal maintenance care is to restore proper biomechanics by making the body move more efficiently. Balancing the pelvis and leg lengths and ensuring full motion in all of the joints of the spine goes a long way towards keeping the spine healthy.
Taking a closer look at people that work on computer for a living can reveal why the spine needs to be maintained. Prolonged sitting and static postures puts additional stress on the lumbar discs increasing the likelihood of a nerve irritation and pain. Reaching forward with the arms to type on a keyboard can pull the shoulders forward and increases stress on the muscles in the neck and mid back as well as compromising overall posture. This can lead to headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain and mid back pain. The repetitive stress on the hands and arms from keyboarding and mousing can lead to elbow pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
The spinal joints depend on motion to keep them healthy. In fact a closer look reveals that the cells inside the disc that produce cartilage called chondrocytes lack an adequate blood supply and depend of passive motion and diffusion to get their nutrients. Lack of motion increases local acidity and makes a hostile environment for these cells which can lead to less cartridge production and ultimately degeneration in the joint. The spinal joints are motion dependent to maintain health and to promote the exchange of fluid with the joints.
Many chiropractic patients present with pain of unknown or trivial cause as opposed to a specific trauma. They report something trivial such as picking up a pencil or brushing their teeth that caused their back or neck to “go out”. This is usually a sign of a biomechanical malfunction that has been progressing unnoticed for months or even years.
In addition to chiropractic care, maintaining motion or exercising is essential for keeping the spinal joints healthy. Activities such as yoga and Pilates may be beneficial but walking may very well be the best exercise of all. Getting the heart rate up to an appropriate level and sustaining it for 20-30 minutes will help drive blood flow into the tissues surrounding the spine.
Taking a proactive approach to maintaining the health of your spine is not only important for your back but also for your body because the nervous system is housed in the spine. The nervous system controls and coordinates every organ and tissue in the body. As the spine degenerates, nerve function can be compromised.
The chiropractors at Frisco Spinal Rehab are experts at guiding patients through a spinal maintenance care program. From muscle specific testing and exercises to the delivery of various chiropractic adjustments, our doctor can help get you on the right track. Call today to schedule your spinal examination.
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