Seeking Alignment: Does Your Spine Align?

“Oh my aching back!” Sciatica. General back pain. Cervical and Lumbar Disc Herniations. Scoliosis. Facet syndrome. Osteophytes (spurs). Degenerated joint disorders. Spinal joint fixations. Sacroiliac joint disorders. If you’ve ever experienced any of these spinal disorders – or if you prefer to avoid or minimize them – read on.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy and aligned spine is imperative to maintaining a person’s overall health. A healthy spine and full range-of-motion are one of the most important benefits of regular chiropractic treatment. That is why it’s so important to improve posture and motion while relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving body function. Keeping the spine in alignment is as important as brushing ones teeth regularly.

Sitting in the reception area, patients may occasionally hear a motorized whir emanating from behind one of the treatment room doors. At work is an assisted chiropractic adjustment taking place on a 21st century motorized chiropractic table – the Leander Flexion-Distraction. This chiropractic therapeutic adjustment – with continuous motion – strengthens affected muscle, spinal disc, ligaments and tendons. Patients on the table experience motorized continuous passive motion and traction in combination with a specific therapeutic stretching procedure. This works to lengthen shortened soft tissues, decompress connective joints and increase range of motion.

The flexion-distraction is a gentle, non-force adjusting approach that is specifically utilized to treat patients with sciatica. It is also well suited for osteoporosis patients who need a lighter touch. By applying traction to the spine, the treatment opens up compressed spinal discs and reduces pressure on facet joints. It offers the capability to place spinal joints in a more normal motion and position without pain.

This technique combines osteopathic principles with the specific, highly-directed approach used in chiropractic. The combination offers a conservative resolution of low back and leg pain that often averts the need for surgery.

Use of the flexion-distraction treatment compliments other chiropractic methodologies, such as electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, exercises, soft tissue mobilization and massage techniques, ideal sleeping positions, and workplace ergonomics.