If you have a spine misalignment, you may need a spine correction treatment to feel better. This non-invasive method of healing has been used for centuries to help ease pain and discomfort, and improve spinal health.
Let’s take a closer look at what spine correction is, how it works, and who can benefit from this treatment.
What is a Spine Correction?
A healthy spine has a natural curve that helps absorb shock and distribute weight evenly. It creates a fairly straight line from your head, to your shoulders and down your back. This helps you maintain good posture, and move with flexibility and strength.
Problems, including pain, occur if the vertebrae in the spine shift from their normal position. Injuries, poor posture, and other factors can alter their placement, creating symptoms of spinal misalignment. Medically, this is also known as spinal subluxation.
Spine correction is the process of restoring the proper alignment and curvature of the vertebrae in the spine. Its purpose is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further damage to the spine. Spine correction usually occurs through physical therapy; however, surgery may be necessary in extreme cases.
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Misalignment
Symptoms of spine misalignment vary according to the amount of vertebrae movement. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Pain: Spinal misalignment can cause back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and/or hip pain.
- Limited range of motion
- Stiffness
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Reflux
- Bloating
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty walking
- Poor posture.
Causes of Spinal Misalignment
Spine misalignment causes are different for each person. Most often, they relate to:
Poor posture
Sitting or standing with poor posture for extended periods can cause spinal misalignment. The neck and upper back are particularly susceptible.
Trauma
Any type of accident or injury that impacts the spine can create misalignment. Car accidents, falls and sports injuries are notoriously problematic.
Repetitive motions
Doing one action over and over again causes wear and tear in the body, including the spine. Some occupations and sports demand repetitive motions, which may cause issues over time.
Degenerative conditions
Osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease can cause the discs in the spine to wear down. With time, this can cause spine misalignment.
Muscle imbalances
Weakness or tightness in certain muscles can cause the spine to become misaligned. This can also result from a spinal condition called scoliosis.
Pregnancy
The weight gain and shifting centre of gravity during pregnancy can cause the spine to move.
Lifestyle factors
Lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and stress can contribute to spinal misalignment.
Treatments for Spine Correction
There are a range of spine correction treatments, with physical therapy being the primary choice. This is because physical therapy:
- is non-invasive
- does not require medication
- supports the structures that hold the vertebrae in place
- provides customised care
- improves mobility
- gives drug-free pain relief.
Effective therapy choices include:
Chiropractic care
Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to manipulate the spine and joints. Their goal is to restore proper spinal alignment and mobility. Studies show chiropractic care is effective for treating back and neck pain, headaches and more.
Osteopathic manipulation
Osteopaths also focus on spine health and use similar techniques to chiropractors. However, they also incorporate other treatments such as massage, stretching, and exercise. Osteopathic care is effective for treating musculoskeletal pain, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists use exercise, stretching, and other techniques to strengthen muscles and support posture. In some cases, this is enough to correct the spinal misalignment. Physio treatment is often used for back pain, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Surgery For Spine Correction
Spine correction surgery is usually only considered after physical therapy has failed or is not suitable. It’s most useful for severe spinal misalignments, such as those caused by degenerative conditions or trauma.
There are several types of spinal surgery, including:
Spinal fusion: Involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilise the spine and prevent movement. It may be effective for scoliosis and herniated discs.
Discectomy: Involves removing part of a damaged disc in the spine to relieve pressure on nearby nerves. It‘s considered useful for herniated discs.
Laminectomy: A portion of the vertebral arch is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It’s often used for spinal stenosis.
While spinal surgery can be effective, there are risks, e.g. infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Recovery time can also be lengthy and require extensive rehabilitation.
Spine Correction Exercises and Prevention
Exercise and stretches are some of the best spine correction prevention methods. Many Australians sit down for most of the day, thanks to their jobs. As a consequence, the spine hunches and poor posture can result. The flow of blood around the spine can slow too. This contributes to pain, stiffness and spinal misalignment in the long term.
Here are 3 few ways to incorporate spinal health movements into your day.
- Walking: Take yourself for a walk on most days that is at least 30 minutes long. This promotes the healthy flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients through your body and spine. It’s also useful to take regular breaks from your sitting position to move your feet, even if you only walk outside.
- Stretching: Every hour or so, stand up and gently stretch your body. Move your hands above your head and gently twist from side to side, moving from your hips. This is great for spinal health.
- Yoga: Many yoga poses help with spinal alignment. One of the most common is called cat-cow pose. It’s designed to stretch the spine and reduce pressure in the lower back and shoulders.
Conclusion
Spine correction is necessary if you have spine misalignment. There are many spine correction treatments, with physical therapy being the prime choice. Exercises and stretching also help with treatment, plus they assist with prevention.
If you need a practitioner who can help your spine misalignment, Avaana can help you find experts in your area.
FAQs
Does core strength help spine misalignment?
Improving core strength helps reduce your risk of spinal subluxation. This is because a strong core keeps your spine and soft tissues in a healthy position. Pilates is excellent for improving core strength.
What’s the best sleeping position for spinal health?
Sleeping on your back promotes a healthy spine. Though it’s not viable for everyone, it can minimise the risk of spinal misalignment in the long term.
Can a TENS machine treat spinal misalignment?
TENS machines are useful for treating pain. This is valuable if spinal problems are causing a large amount of discomfort. However, it’s unlikely the machine will correct the problem itself. Seeing a physical therapist, like a chiropractor or physiotherapist, is the best treatment.
