instability

Spinal Instability

October 19, 2016

Spinal instability is a term that describes the presence of abnormal movement between two vertebrae. As we age or injure ourselves through different kinds of traumas, our discs degenerate and lose tension, which allows more movement to take place between the vertebrae. Furthermore, the facet joints located on the back of the spinal column, become displaced and arthritic, causing the production of bone spurs around the margin of the joints. 

Symptoms of spinal instability include back pain, muscle spasm, and limited range of motion, among other things as the pain is caused when normal flexion and extension movements cause the vertebrae to articulate abnormally. Most often, the associated spinal nerve will be right in the firing line, and the irritation of this nerve is what will send pain signals to the brain. 

A common response for treating spinal instability is surgery, but the condition can be managed with chiropractic as well. Because the condition is caused by the vertebrae falling out of alignment, there is a lot we can do to prevent the instability from getting worse and actually help restrengthen the region and restore some semblance of balance. 

  • We focus on the surrounding muscles: strengthening compromised muscles so that they can lend support to the unstable region, and treating sore muscles with massage and trigger point therapy to keep the tissues of the lower back in good shape. 
  • Encourage weight loss: every excess pound is going to complicate the problem further. Through nutrition and exercise, we can help you reduce the burden that is placed on the unstable region. 
  • Correct spinal misalignment (subluxation)
  • Encourage lymph flow out of the injurious region. 

An improvement of symptoms through chiropractic is a great indicator of success for surgery. Spinal instability is a serious condition and should be treated as such; before any steps are taken, you must have a full picture of the condition you are facing. At Holmes Chiropractic, we offer you our services in the detection and conservative treatment of spinal instability.

Dr. Randall Holmes, D.C. 

Posted in Blog