The musculoskeletal system, which includes all of your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs and joints, is incredibly complex. While we are still learning how all these elements interact, some fundamental facts are clear--the musculoskeletal system works best when it is in proper alignment. The joints and the spine, in particular, need to be aligned to minimize the risk of injury and joint degeneration.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, which as Ergonomics Plus points out, make up the largest portion of workplace injuries, show that improper alignment is a significant issue for many, many people. The challenge is getting everyday people to understand how important it is to maintain proper joint alignment. The more people learn to practice healthy movement and get regular adjustments; the less prevalent musculoskeletal injuries will be.

Misalignment, Musculoskeletal Injuries and Joint Degeneration

Chiropractic care focuses on alignment of the vertebrae and other joints. The nerves that travel through the spinal cord branch throughout the body, controlling every function in ways that are not always obvious. Spinal misalignment puts pressure on these nerves. This pressure often leads to pain, but other effects can cause a cascade of damage to the musculoskeletal system.

The body tends to protect itself from pressure on spinal nerves by tightening up and compensating in various ways. The tightness often leads to changes in movement that cause damage over time. For instance, the compression of a spinal nerve can lead to tightness in the back, which affects the hips, then the knee, the ankle, etc. Each joint that moves improperly experiences increased wear and tear beyond what is normal. Going for months or years with a pinched nerve can lead to a variety of injuries, including degenerative diseases.


How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Your chiropractor will carefully examine your body to identify misalignment of vertebrae and other joints. Once issues have been identified, he or she will offer treatments designed to correct the problem. Usually, treatments will include chiropractic adjustments, along with complementary therapies like massage.

Using carefully directed pressure, your chiropractor will press your vertebrae and/or other joints into alignment. Complementary therapies like massage can relax the soft tissues surrounding the joint to help the adjustment stay in place.

Regular visits to your chiropractor ensure that proper alignment is maintained over time. In this way, your chiropractor becomes your partner in preventing musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative joint issues.

Zollner Chiropractic provides a gentle, scientific and effective approach to chiropractic care in San Rafael. Dr. Zollner’s experienced techniques help you obtain your health and functional goals. With over 20 years’ experience, Dr. Zollner has integrated multiple chiropractic modalities with modern technology to deliver effective treatment to his clients. Go to learn more: https://drzollner.com