The role of the spine is to protect the spinal cord. A vital component in this protection is movement of the individual spinal joints. This allows for flexibility and feedback to our brain. When the human body is under stress, these joints stop moving well. The type of joint that each vertebrae is, is called a synovial joint. Synovial joints are dependent on movement to circulate synovial fluid, which is how fresh nutrients are dispersed into and through the joint in order to keep them vital, healthy, and functioning correctly. When the joint ceases to move in this way, it starts to degenerate and break down as there is lack of nutrients. Pain is one aspect that indicates this but it must be considered that pain is not the only indication of joint health. The nature of a joint in poor health is poor movement and our body creates a chemical response of inflammation in order to protect. The problem with this is that this is not known or considered, as it is much easier to simply take a medication that addresses the chemical inflammation occurring. A chemical solution cannot solve a mechanical problem. The health of the joint and the spine will continue to break down as it is still not moving. The only way to address this is by a specific and highly trained adjustment by a chiropractor who can locate the joints that are not moving well and then specifically move them to restore normal function, and thereby restore normal physiology.

Your Crystal Lake Chiropractor

Dr. Josh Young, D.C.