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common condition
degenerative spine disease and you
Often times people claim they have constant pain and stiffness in their spine and, if fortunate enough, they will get their spine x-rayed. Upon x-ray examination (especially for people over 30) the x-ray report will say the same thing: decreased disc space, osteophyte formation, hypertrophy of other joints. What does this all mean and how did this happen without your own knowledge?
Essentially over the years, people have always stressed keep your spine straight, chest out, shoulders back. The importance of good posture has been stressed before in previous newsletters but the consequences have not necessarily been implicated. When the spine is unevenly loaded due to someone slouching or hunching over, there is uneven amounts of pressure through the spine. If there is more weight being distributed in the front rather then the back of the spine, there is a constant rubbing. Over time that rubbing wears down the cartilage that envelops each individual vertebra and causesosteophyte and bony changes to help support the spine. Unfortunately this causes the discs to wear down and can cause a narrowing of spinal canal columns that can eventually lead to neurological changes. And to think this all occurs because you were slouching or having bad posture!
Maintenance of normal joint motion and function can be facilitated by chiropractic manipulation as adjustments will help align the spine into its proper orientation. Management in early and middle stages should also include strengthening on the intrinsic spinals muscles and abdominal strengthening so that the muscles can be aware of what normal posture should be. This is a very common and preventable problem with proper education and awareness.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the office.
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