Misalignment
A misaligned spine creates joint pressure and abnormal loading on the tissues listed below. Misalignment leads to degenerative changes in the spine not because just of age but because of years of abnormal loads on the structures of the spine. Many of the listed problems below accumulate over the years and have contributed greatly to people living in chronic pain and to the opioid crisis.
Spinal Imbalance can affect the following:
- Muscles: unilateral shortening, diameter size changes, and loss of strength
- Ligaments: shortening, adhesions, loss of strength, hypertrophy
- Nerves: nerve entrapment, altered axoplasmic flow
- Vascular: lack of blood flow to nerves and muscles
- Disc: pre-mature degenerative changes (bulges), increased risk of herniations and radial tears
- Bone: arthritis, bone spurs, hypertrophy of facets
- Fascia: inflammation, scar tissue, micro-tears
- Articular Capsules: adhesions/scar tissue, altered segmental biomechanics
- Joint Surfaces: synovial inflammation, surface joint changes
Proper Examination and Diagnosis
A biomechanical assessment of the spine is very important and typically is performed by a doctor credentialed in spinal biomechanics. Orthopedic doctors with a spine fellowship and neurosurgeons are excellent choices for the diagnosis and care of anatomical issues of the spine: disc herniations/bulges, nerve compressions, fractures and tumors. However, biomechanical spine problems are typically not their area of focus.
NUCCA is a specialty that focuses on spinal biomechanics and light force. Dr. Packer is trauma and hospital qualified with credentials in MRI spine interpretation, spinal biomechanical engineering and orthopedic testing through the Academy of Chiropractic and he is a fellow in Spinal Biomechanics and Trauma recognized through the SUNY Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine.
At Precision Spinal Care we are happy to help you determine the best way to address your specific needs. If we can help, we will. Call our office at (757) 382-5555 to speak with me or set up a consultation. You can also set up an appointment through our webpage.
