Joint_Mobility_CauseOfLoss

Good joint mobility is the foundation of structural health. When a joint is rotated or wedged out of its
proper alignment the joint will usually “lock-up”. We call this “locking-up” of the joint a fixation. And we
call this misalignment of the bone a Vertebral Subluxation Complex…or subluxation for short.

Establishing good joint mobility is the second of our 3 major goals for your care. If we have
structural balance and symmetry, good joint mobility, and flexible/strong muscles, the physical stresses
that we encounter are absorbed and dispersed. If we have asymmetry, joints that are “locked up”, and
tight/weak muscles, the physical stresses we encounter are absorbed and accumulated. Over time, as
these physical stresses continue to accumulate, one or more areas will break down prematurely.

There are several components to a joint that is subluxated and fixated: (Click on the words to learn more)
1. Spinal Kinesiopatology: Abnormal motion or position of the vertebra.
2. Histopathology: The soft tissue (tendons & ligaments) is inflamed and swollen.
3. Myopathology: The muscles are tight, weak, or function improperly.
4. Neuropathology: The nerve is compressed (pinched), stretched, or irritated.
5. Pathophyiology: Over time trigger points, degeneration, and arthritis often follow.


	Joint Mobility The Cause of Lost Joint Mobility

		This picture illustrates nerve pressure caused from a subluxated (misaligned) vertebra.

Spinal adjustments work remarkably well to mobilize your fixated joints, and to better align subluxations in your spine. Often nerves that are pinched or irritated can have the pressure taken off of them with a care plan that includes spinal adjustments. I would estimate that 80% of the patients I see have irritated or pinched nerve causing pain and/or numbness. The vast majority of patients respond incredibly well to care. Spinal adjustments move the vertebra to a more aligned position and improve the joint's mobility. Adjustments can be done by hand, with an instrument, with wedges angled under the pelvis, or with drop pieces built into the adjusting table. Depending upon the type of misalignment in your spine and taking into consideration any other underlying conditions you may have, (such as osteoporosis or herniated disc), the best type of adjusting technique will be selected to correct you condition. (See frequently asked questions to find answers to many of your questions about spinal adjustments.) When the adjustments are combined with electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and traction the results occur quicker and last longer. And if foot and structural balancing, muscle management, conditioning, and proper nutritional support are added into your care plan the chances are optimal for you to reach your “Peak Performance.”