- April 26, 2023
The symptoms of a misaligned spine can include stiffness, discomfort, and issues with mobility as reported by Healthline Magazine. This condition can happen because of contact sports, falls, and various repetitive motions. While some people with misaligned spines live comfortably, others need intensive treatment to better their condition.
Specific Care Chiropractic offers a suite of spine injury treatments for those suffering from spinal misalignment. If you’re dealing with a misaligned spine or another condition, you can learn more by calling (239) 369-9109. Today, we can alleviate the symptoms of a misaligned spine and help you get back on your feet.
The Symptoms of a Misaligned Spine
One of the most noticeable signs of a misaligned spine is poor posture. This may appear as slouching over or being unable to stand up straight. One may struggle with this condition if they experience:
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Pain in the hips, back, or shoulders
- Headaches
Spinal misalignment generally isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a condition that manifests slowly over time. Because it takes so long to present symptoms, one could live with this condition for months without seeking a professional’s opinion.
Respiratory Problems
You could have problems breathing if you have a misaligned spine because your posture could affect how much space your lungs have to expand. This can lead to shortness of breath, fainting spells, and weakness.
Fatigue From Trouble Sleeping
Spinal misalignment can prevent you from getting comfortable when it’s time for bed. What’s more, the pain and discomfort you feel could worsen matters. Over time, this can cut into how long you sleep, affecting your cognitive functioning and performance.
Getting Sicker Than Usual
Everyone comes down with a cold occasionally. Yet, if someone struggles with back pain and experiences frequent illnesses, this could point to spinal misalignment. But how?
A misaligned spine could cause communication issues between the spinal cord and connecting nerves. If these signals get mixed up, the immune system might not respond appropriately to certain infections, causing someone to frequently become ill.
One Shoe Wearing Out Faster Than the Other
With each step you take, the tread on the bottom of your shoes wears out. If you have a perfectly aligned spine, the tread will wear down on both shoes at the same time. Yet, if your spine is misaligned, you might put more weight on one foot than the other, wearing down the shoe faster.
A Misaligned Spine Can Lead to Mental Health Complications
The circumstances of your misaligned spine can affect more than your physical health; it can also start to affect your mental health. Living with chronic pain, fatigue, and discomfort can cause you to experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Irritability
- Outbursts of anger
If you’re living with spinal misalignment, you could benefit from speaking with a mental health professional. Here, you can discuss the challenges your condition poses, along with other relevant concerns.
What Causes a Misaligned Spine?
As noted, misaligned spines generally come about gradually. For instance, imagine a person who bends down constantly while working on a construction site. Over time, their spine could slowly shift out of place, causing the symptoms listed above. Other causes of spinal misalignment include:
- Congenital conditions. Scoliosis is when the spine curves to one side. Often, one can adapt to this condition by undergoing physical therapy. Severe cases may require serious medical intervention.
- Traffic accidents. The sudden force of a traffic accident can cause your spine to shift out of place. Without treatment, the problem could only grow worse with time, affecting your mobility and comfort levels.
- Falls. Seniors are at an increased risk of suffering misaligned spines from falls. That’s because poor coordination, eyesight, and cognitive reasoning contribute to the likelihood of falling.
Your Treatment Options If You Have Symptoms of Spinal Misalignment
When you come to Specific Care Chiropractic with a misaligned spine, we curate a treatment plan designed to meet your needs. You could see a noticeable improvement in your well-being by undergoing:
Stretching Exercises
Stretching may feel like the farthest thing from your mind if you’re suffering from spinal misalignment. Yet, with the guidance of a healthcare professional, these exercises may alleviate your pain and shift your spine back into place. We may suggest going to yoga, planking, and taking brisk walks.
Visiting a Chiropractor
A chiropractor may administer chiropractic adjustments to address a misaligned spine. They may involve:
- Asking you to lie down on a table
- Adjusting your joints, bones, and muscles into the proper position
- Using a handheld device to administer fast, controlled force to the problem area
You could feel relief from your symptoms within a few hours of undergoing chiropractic care. Alternatively, you may have to visit our office periodically to get the most out of your treatment plan.
Surgery
If you’re living with severe spinal misalignment, our team may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon who can perform spinal fusion surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon will attempt to straighten your spine with screws and rods. Then, through periodic follow-up visits and therapy, you could find relief never thought possible.
Weight Loss
The more weight you have on your spine, the more likely you are to experience pain and discomfort. If applicable, your doctor may suggest losing weight. They can create a meal plan that cuts out sugar and carbs.
Physiotherapy Services
Many doctors prescribe physical therapy in combination with chiropractic care for a well-rounded treatment plan. Some examples of the types of physical therapy techniques that you could benefit from include:
- Corrective care: This helps to promote healing and prevent flare-ups that might cause pain and discomfort.
- Massage therapy: This technique helps your muscles relax after a chiropractic or physical therapy appointment. It encourages healthy blood flow, helps heal tissues, and improves your range of motion.
- Ultrasound therapy: Your therapist will apply gentle ultrasound waves to your muscles to heal damaged tissues and break apart scar tissue for optimal healing.
- Rehabilitation therapy: Using gentle exercises and tools to help your body restore balance and stability.
- Electrical muscle stimulation (E-STIM): Your doctor uses gentle electrical pulses to the area of concern. This does not cause pain, and it can help heal damaged muscle tissue if your spine misalignment was caused in an accident.
What Should You Do If You Have Spinal Misalignment?
Our healthcare team can evaluate your condition and outline your next steps if you’re suffering from spinal misalignment. While awaiting your appointment, we may suggest:
- Bedrest. Overexertion and strenuous physical activity can worsen your condition and the discomfort you feel.
- Applying ice to the aching area. A cold compress can reduce your pain levels and reduce swelling.
- Using assistive devices as instructed. You shouldn’t throw out your back brace or cane because you have an appointment on the horizon. We encourage you to keep using these items if they alleviate your pain and promote mobility.
How to Prepare for an Appointment to Treat Your Spinal Misalignment
You may not know what to expect when you make an appointment to heal your spinal alignment, especially if this is your first time visiting a chiropractor. When you’re preparing for a physical therapy or chiropractic appointment, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Dress Comfortably
You may be asked to perform exercises or lie down on a table for a massage or chiropractic adjustment, so you don’t want to wear anything that limits your range of motion too much. Some patients wear exercise clothes like leggings and athletic pants. Loose-fitting shirts can also help you avoid feeling restricted.
Be Prepared to Discuss Your Medical History
Your provider will likely ask general questions about your medical history, such as any medications you are prescribed and any genetic conditions you deal with. You’ll also need to answer questions about your spinal misalignment, such as any symptoms you notice, any accidents that could have triggered it, and how often you’ve been in pain.
Keep an Open Mind
Visiting a chiropractor is different from a standard doctor’s appointment, as you’ll need to move around and perform exercises to see results.
Expect a Few Side Effects
Not every patient deals with side effects after a chiropractic appointment, but some may notice soreness, fatigue, and other mild issues in the days following an appointment. This is normal, as you may use your muscles in ways you haven’t before when you come in for your appointment.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
If you want to know more about your treatment plan or a specific service your chiropractor provides, feel free to ask them. You can also ask your chiropractor to adjust your treatment plan if any part of it makes you feel uncomfortable.
Call Specific Care Chiropractic to Learn More
If you’re concerned about having symptoms of spinal misalignment, connect with Specific Care Chiropractic. Our team offers comprehensive treatment plans for those living in and around Southwest Florida. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (239) 369-9109 now.
