Information above: 
1. Your spine is made up of 24 bones stacked on top of each other with a soft "disc" between each segment to allow for flexibility.
2. Normally, each joint in your spine should move freely and independently. 

3. Part of our doctor's examination is to look at particular joints that are restricted.

4. To help visualize this, imagine a normal spine functioning like a big spring moving freely in every direction. A spine with a joint restriction is like having a section of that spring welded together. 

5. The spring may still move as a whole, but a portion of it is no longer functioning. 

Why they Happen:

Joint restrictions can develop in many ways. Sometimes they are brought on by an accident or an injury. Other times, they develop from repetitive strains or poor posture. Being overweight, smoking, strenuous work, and emotional stress can make you more susceptible to problems. Restricted joints give rise to a self-perpetuating cycle of discomfort. 

Why they cause pain:

Joint restriction causes swelling and inflammation, which triggers muscular guarding leading to more restriction.

Closing Points:

Since your spine functions as a unit, rather than as isolated pieces, a joint restriction in one area of your spine often causes "compensatory" problems in another. Think of this as a rowboat with multiple oarsmen on each side. When one rower quits, the others are placed under additional stress and can become overworked. Joint restrictions most commonly cause local tenderness and discomfort. You may notice that your range of motion is limited. Movement may increase your discomfort. Pain from a restricted joint often trickles around your rib cage or up & down your spine. 

Be sure to tell one of our chiropractors if your symptoms include any chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual cough, indigestion or flu-like complaints. Long-standing restrictions are thought to result in arthritis - much like the way a slightly misaligned wheel on your car causes premature wearing of your tire. You should recognize that your problem is common and generally treatable. Chiropractic care has been shown to be the safest and most effective treatment for joint restrictions. Our office offers several tools to help ease your pain.