What Are Spinal Misalignments?
Spinal misalignments, also called subluxations, occur when the vertebrae in your spine shift out of their normal position. Since your vertebrae protect your spinal cord, absorb shock, and allow for movement and flexibility, even a slight misalignment can cause problems. Common effects include pain, stiffness, inflammation, headaches, sleep disturbances, and more.
Misalignments often result from injuries, poor posture, or stress.
Could an Injury Have Knocked Your Spine Out of Place?
Accidents like car crashes, slips and falls, or even sports collisions can jolt the spine and push the vertebrae out of alignment. Sometimes, even small incidents - like tripping on a step - can cause changes that lead to discomfort later.
Signs you may have a subluxation include:
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Pain. Neck and back pain are common, but misalignments can also throw off the balance of your whole body, leading to hip, knee, or shoulder discomfort.
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Headaches. Tension in the neck and irritation of nearby nerves can trigger tension headaches or migraines.
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Tingling and Numbness. If nerves are compressed, you may feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs.
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Weakened Immunity. Nerve pressure from misalignments may interfere with organ and immune function, leaving you more prone to illness.
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Limited Motion. Stiff muscles and tissues can restrict flexibility and joint mobility.
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Fatigue. Constant pain or poor sleep quality from misalignments can leave you feeling drained.
Poor Posture: A Hidden Cause of Pain
One of the most common causes of misalignments is poor posture. Slouching while sitting or standing puts uneven stress on the muscles around the spine. Over time, this imbalance pulls on the vertebrae, shifting them out of place.
Digital device use makes this even more common. A 2022 study published in Heliyon found that:
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86% of device users reported back pain
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75% had neck pain
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76% experienced shoulder pain
The good news? Chiropractic adjustments can gently restore proper alignment, while posture corrections and targeted exercises help support your spine long-term.
Stress and Spinal Misalignments
Stress affects more than your mood - it can also impact your spine. When your body enters “fight-or-flight” mode, adrenaline and cortisol flood your system, increasing heart rate and tightening muscles. This ongoing muscle tension can shift vertebrae out of place, creating pain and stiffness.
Chiropractic care helps with more than realignment. Soft tissue therapies such as massage and mobilization relax tight muscles, ease tension, and promote healing. A 2018 study in The Spine Journal found that manipulation and mobilization not only reduced pain but also improved function for patients with chronic low back pain.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If you’ve noticed pain, stiffness, fatigue, or other signs of misalignment, chiropractic care may help. At our office, we offer gentle, effective treatments to restore balance, reduce discomfort, and improve your overall flexibility.
Call today to schedule your appointment and start feeling better.
Christine Rogers
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