A frequent complaint: lack of mobility in the spine 

While the upper and lower segments of the spine are designated regions of stability, the middle region, also known as the thoracic spine, is designated as a mobile region. The spinal motion segments in this part of the back are specially engineered for rotation, flexion and extension. In the sense of your spine, movement begets mobility; you need to keep your spine mobile to maintain its mobility. Thoracic spinal mobility has important implications in the functioning of the upper and lower body, and thus maintaining its mobility is of vital importance. Unfortunately, many of the people we help at Holmes Chiropractic come in and exhibit signs of poor mobility in the spine. Poor spinal mobility affects us in myriad ways: 

• Restricted range of motion 
• Uneven development of supporting musculature
• Lack of coordination between moving parts of the body
• Communication breakdown along a vital pathway of the nervous system

What does poor spinal mobility look like? 

People who exhibit poor spinal mobility find it difficult to achieve a full range of motion in the categories of flexion, extension and rotation. This affects your life by making it difficult to perform standard daily motions such as bending and lifting, turning your head over your shoulder or bending to the side. In extreme cases, these motions will begin to cause pain, a sure signal that you are lacking in spinal mobility. 

How we address spinal mobility 

We first determine where, why and how you are limited. By performing standard mobility tests we can pinpoint what is stopping you from attaining full range of motion. We then use targeted spinal adjustment and mobilization to restore motion to spinal joints, reduce pain and get you moving the way you should be. But here is a simple trick for improving spinal mobility at home: 

• Find a flat surface and lay down flat on your back.
• Lengthen your spine by pretending as though someone on each end of your body is pulling you
• Next, tuck your legs in toward your chest and clasp them with your arms
• In this baby-like position, rock gently all the way up and down your spine, excepting the neck. 

The importance of spinal mobility cannot be overstated 

Spinal mobility is essential to living a long, healthy life. Helping people make improvements in their spinal health to affect overall wellness is our passion. If you have entered the new year with nagging concerns of the state of your spine, give our office in Houston a call to schedule an appointment today.