A properly aligned spine makes a relatively straight line that runs from your head to your shoulders and down to the back. A misaligned spine does not produce a straight line.
A misaligned spine is a source of great discomfort. It also causes significant health problems. Here are the signs and symptoms of misalignment:
1. Occasional Headaches, Joint Pain, And Back Pain
Headaches and pains in the back and joints are signs of misalignment of the C1 and C2 vertebrae. This form of misalignment is the most common reason why people see a chiropractor. Unfortunately, other people bear the pain, thinking that their symptoms are normal. They do not know that chiropractic care can reduce or eliminate these problems.
2. Your Joints Crack Often
If your neck, back, ankles, knees, fingers, and other joints crack all the time, you need to see a chiropractor. The cracking is a sign that areas of your vertebrae are jammed, blocked, or irritated.
3. Your Head And Hips Don’t Turn Easily
If you have a stiff neck or your head cannot turn without causing you some pain, your spine is certainly out of alignment. Some people also hear a crack sound whenever they turn their heads. You may also experience the same symptoms in your hip area. The symptoms are indicative of a subluxation, along with possible damaged connection tissue and tight muscles.
4. You Have Occasional Flu
If you constantly have the flu, there’s a need for concern. It is a sign that the response system of your immune system is poor. Your nervous system connects your body and your immune system. So, whenever your spine is out of alignment, it could be that your spine is blocked, or the signals sent are not clear.
5. The Shoe Test
Your shoes could also help you determine whether your spine is well aligned. If there’s a misalignment, the weight each of your legs carries is unequal. You can know if this is the case for you by looking at the soles of your shoes. If there’s too much pressure on one leg, the sole wears out more on that side than the other.
6. Check Your Posture
Spinal alignment may also be evident by the posture you take. Check to see if your posture is right by standing in front of a mirror to see if everything sits in a horizontal plane. Examine your shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles. Are they on the same plane? If these features are dipping on one side, your spine may be misaligned.
7. Hitches In Your Gait
A misaligned spine affects your gait or walk. You can test for misalignment by walking in a straight line for about 20 yards. If you notice any hobbling or limping, your spine is misaligned.
8. Your Health Is Generally Poor
If you have worked on improving your health, but you see only minimal improvements, the issue could be with your spine. The reason is that your spine’s structure affects the functioning of your entire body. If the subluxations in the spine vertebrae were removed, you would enjoy better overall health.
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to see a chiropractor. Visit Dr. Timothy O’Neill at the O’Neill Chiropractic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You can also call to request an appointment.