What Causes Spinal Compression
Injury or trauma involving the spine
Intervertebral disc degeneration
Arthritis
Herniated or bulging discs
Injury to the spinal nerve root
Scarring from lumbar spine surgery
Posterior facet syndrome or worn spinal joints
Symptoms of Spinal Compression
Pain in the neck
Pain in the upper or lower back
Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
Pain when twisting or bending
What does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractors use chiropractic adjustments as one of the many tools to help to normalize the performance of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractic adjustments are simply inputting a force into a joint in order to help restore normal motion of that joint.
The idea that the spine was acutely connected to health is nothing new. In fact, the ancient Greeks and other early civilizations used spinal adjustments as a form of healthcare. Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine, stated that “physical structure is the basis of medicine” and went into great detail concerning the importance of the spine to good health. Hippocrates is quoted as saying: “Look well to the spine for the cause of disease.”
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury for people involved in car collisions. When a car is struck from behind or collides with another object, it causes the neck to snap back and forth violently. This causes the muscles and ligaments to overextend, leading to strains and/or tears. This is referred to as soft tissue damage, and can cause stiffness and soreness. Whiplash can also cause structural damage such as misaligned vertebrae, herniated, bulging or ruptured discs, or nerve damage due to the overextension from the violent movement.
Chiropractic can help with both types of injuries. Adjustments and alignments can be performed specifically for those who have been in car accidents and suffered from whiplash. The pressure on the discs and nerves is released when the spine is returned to its proper alignment. Chiropractic massage can be used to help relieve the pain and discomfort from soft tissue injuries. If you have been in a car accident, schedule an appointment with us before relying on pain medications and surgery.