In the previous post I
explained what conditions are necessary for the vertebrae to move out of their
correct position (subluxate). In this post we will discuss the three things
which cause them to move out of place.
- Mechanical – This is anything which physically forces the vertebrae out of place: getting hit with a baseball bat, falling off the roof and landing on your head, an auto accident, or repetitive stress injuries where you do the same movement over and over again, day in and day out, until the soft tissues finally give way and let the vertebrae move.
- Chemical – Anytime we are exposed to chemicals we have the possibility of what has been labeled an allergic reaction. Those we are most familiar with are that our breathing becomes difficult, or that we develop a rash. Both of these have a muscular component. For some reason that I am not aware of, we have muscle tissue in our bronchial tubes which is capable of completely stopping the flow of air to our lungs. Exposure to certain chemicals cause these muscles to tighten sufficiently in some people until they have difficulty getting oxygen sufficient for their needs. We also have muscle tissue in the arteries and other blood vessels which allows the body to shunt blood to other areas as needed. Again, chemical exposure causes these to tighten in a manner that fluid is forced into the surrounding tissues, causing a rash. (I realize that there are also other mechanisms in play with each of these examples) It stands to reason that if some muscle groups react to chemical exposure, others would as well. Spinal muscles tighten unevenly which makes it easier for vertebrae to move out of their correct position.
- Stress – this used to be labeled ‘Psychological’ but everything lumps together pretty well under the heading of ‘Stress’. When I list this one, many people say, “But I don’t have any stress!” My reply, “Did you get here today by driving on a road? Then you have been stressed!” We learn to ignore most of the stresses we experience, but they are still there working on us. I have heard so many people say, “I carry my stress in my upper-back,” or “in my neck.” Spinal muscles tighten up and cause pain and discomfort, and make it easier for vertebrae to move out of their correct position.
We have little control over
most of these. Chemicals are in the water, food, and air, and the only way to
avoid them is to stop eating, drinking, and breathing. While we can avoid some
stresses, and learn to decrease, somewhat, their effect on us, overall, stress
is here to stay. We do have the option to avoid doing stupid things, but many
of our injuries are either due to accidents (which means that they weren’t
planned), or necessity – most people don’t have the luxury to move to a
different line of work because it hurts their back, and most parents will
choose to risk serious injury in order to protect a child, and so, many of the
mechanical causes can’t be avoided either.
New traumas are more likely
to re-injure the previously damaged areas than the healthy ones, and with the
muscles tightened unevenly, normal movement will work the vertebrae gradually
out of place which causes the nerve irritation to begin again, causing a
reoccurrence of the symptoms. Depending on the circumstances the problems may
be corrected in one treatment, and other times may require a series of
treatments. This is why you will find that most people will return periodically
for treatment – they want to feel better again and stay healthy. At Val Vista
Chiropractic, that is our goal and our function.
Getting rid of your pain,
Dr. Steven Ray, Chiropractor
Val Vista Chiropractic
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