What Happens When a Vertebrae is Misaligned?
When there are misalignments in our spine we are not able to function at our fullest potential! The spinal column is made up of 24 vertebrae, the sacrum and the coccyx (tailbone). Each of these bones and their corresponding joints should be pain free and have the ability to move through their complete range of motion, regardless of our age. Our skull protects our brain and our vertebrae protect our spinal cord. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves pass through the vertebrae and feed the network of nerves that regulate our body. The nervous system helps control and regulates our vital organs and bodily functions. These misalignments of the spine can be present without even knowing it, since only 7% of nerve fibers in the body carry pain signals, the other 93% do not, and this is why you may not even know you have a spinal misalignment.
We know through research that when a spinal misalignment exists it is more than just a simple bone out of place pressuring a nerve. The body actually reacts in a very specific manner. There are five components
1. Spinal Kinesiopathology The vertebrae of the spine lose their proper positioning and motion. There will be a reduction in normal range of motion. Lack of proper motion and position may then result in nerve interference. This is when the destructive and degenerative forces begin.
Muscles become very rigid, or begin to weaken and atrophy (deteriorate). The muscles lose their normal composition and elasticity, and the blood supply is interrupted
2. Neuropathophysiology Malfunctioning vertebral segments now may impact the nervous system and cause interference between the brain and the body by being irritated, rubbed, pinched or stretched. The sensation felt by the body is manifested as numbness, burning or tingling.
3. Myopathology Changes within the supporting muscles of the spine now occur.
Muscles become damaged and easily fatigue.
4. Histopathology Changes occur on a cellular level now. Blood flow and lymph supply are altered. Chemical changes are resulting in swelling and inflammation. Damage is occurring to all of the local soft tissue (discs, nerves, muscles, ligaments).
5. Pathophysiology Now the vertebrae begin to change. Destructive forces begin to alter the structure of the bone. Bone spurs begin to form and the vertebrae begin to fuse themselves together. At this point there is tremendous pressure upon the nerves and they are malfunctioning. More scar tissue begins to form.
Now you know why a spinal misalignment is more than just a bone out of place.
