Why is it important to keep your spine aligned?
Your spine column is made up of 33 bones called “vertebrae”. There are five different sections in the spine. The cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx. The cervical spine is the neck region containing 7 vertebrae. The cervical spine supports the head and allows the neck to have flexibility and movement. The thoracic is the longest part of the spine located in the upper to mid-back consisting of 12 vertebrae. The lumbar is the lower back area that supports the upper portion of the body with 5 heavy or load bearing discs. At the very base of the spine there is the sacrum and coccyx. The sacrum has 5 segments of bone fused together. The sacrum forms a joint that connects with the two pelvic bones. The coccyx or the tailbone is attached to sacrum and is the very last section of the spine and consists of 4 segments that are also fused together.
The spinal column is hollow inside and holds the spinal cord. The spinal cord is like a thick bundle of fiber optic cables. Messages are sent from the brain to the rest of the body through this fiber optic like cables. It acts like a communication pathway from the brain to the body. There are nerve endings that come out of the spinal cord and go to every part of your body. This includes heart, lungs, stomach, arms, legs etc. When a vertebra segment that is part of your spinal column is out of proper alignment, it puts pressure on the spinal nerves. This pressure irritates the nerve endings and causes interruption of the communication between the nervous system and the other systems in your body.
Spinal misalignments cause unwanted symptoms such as:
When your spine is adjusted back into alignment, the necessary communication from the nervous system to the brain is restored. Once the pressure has been alleviated off the nerve, the unwanted symptoms listed above will dissipate. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and effective way to move the vertebra back into alignment. That is why neck and back pain, headaches respond so well to chiropractic adjustments.
Correcting spinal misalignments is critical because long-term compression of a nerve can lead to permanent nerve damage. The type of chiropractic care you receive is also important. Many Oviedo chiropractors use a more forceful chiropractic adjusting method called the “manual technique.” This is a hands-on approach that requires more force along with twisting to crack the spine. Dr. Ressler is a chiropractor in Oviedo that uses a safe and gentle alternative chiropractic method. Unlike many of the other Oviedo chiropractors, Dr. Ressler uses a specialized instrument called an “activator” to treat patients in his Oviedo chiropractic clinic. The activator is spring-loaded and sends a soft impulse into the specific vertebrae out of position. It is very precise because it gently moves one vertebra at a time. The activator method is ideal for treating all 5 sections of the spine as well as the extremities (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles). Keeping your spine aligned guarantees that the communication from the brain to the body remains intact and there is no irritation to the nerves. Spinal alignment is important for overall health and wellness. If your nerves are not irritated from misalignments, you will not have to suffer with any of the unwanted symptoms listed above (pain, inflammation, headaches, etc.)
Dr. Ressler’s chiropractic techniques are gentle, effective, and safe. Our chiropractic Oviedo office is open late (hours of operation) and has same day appointments available. Remember, long-term compression of the nerves can lead to permanent damage! Call 407-977-5005 or click here to schedule your appointment today!