As warm weather approaches, more and more “hawks” are running down the roads. In competitive racing, more and more runners are seeking that advantage, and many have sought chiropractic care to improve their biomechanics. The body is a complex machine made up of muscles, nerves, and bones that work together to form orchestrated movements. Unfortunately, like a home appliance, it can sometimes fail. Most people have abnormal spinal structure and a lack of proper curves on the side of the spine, causing discs and ligaments to wear out prematurely. These spinal misalignments are known as subluxations. By contributing to poor biomechanics, excess energy is wasted and the body is more prone to fatigue and injury.
Choosing a chiropractor who focuses on clinical biomechanics of posture (CBP), a technique that specializes in structural correction of the spine, is highly recommended. This chiropractic technique of choice uses an approach to wellness backed by an impressive body of research. Our first priority is to relieve your pain, but our main goal is to restore your spine as close to its normal alignment as possible, which benefits your entire body. Like a car, your body moves on your spinal “axis.” If a car’s axle is bent or damaged, its tires will spin incorrectly, further damaging the car, just as a spinal injury or misalignment can be magnified throughout the body. Peer-reviewed medical studies have established a strong link between loss or misalignment of the normal spine and a variety of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions. Our commitment to spinal health means we’ll go beyond relieving your symptoms to address the root causes. Pain down the left arm may indicate a heart problem. Severe migraines can indicate a problem with blood flow or perhaps high blood pressure. Pain medications would simply mask such problems, but we try to identify and treat them where they start.
Viewed from the side, the spine is made up of four natural curves. Loss of normal spinal curvature can lead to a variety of neck and back conditions. In addition, spinal nerves exit from each level of the spine to each muscle and organ. Therefore, nerve function is likely to be impaired if the spine is misaligned. Unfortunately, the body doesn’t always send out warning signals of such damage until it becomes extreme.
Since we focus on the structural correction of the spine, we naturally focus on posture, which we consider to be the “window to the spine.” Most people are surprised and shocked to learn that years of poor posture in simple daily habits, such as slouching over a desk or computer, leaning forward while driving a car, or holding a child, cause spinal changes that can lead to to debilitating conditions. including disc related issues, headaches, and even digestive issues. Changes in the spine are also the root causes of spinal degeneration, osteoarthritis, muscle strain and imbalance, and joint deterioration.
Additionally, incorrect spinal biomechanics can cause problems in the hips, knees, and feet. Because the base of the spine begins with the feet, incorrect spinal structure can contribute to dropped arches and foot pronation and supination discrepancies. Harmful changes in the spine can put more weight on one side of the body, setting off a chain reaction of problems in the spine, hip, knee, and foot. The body will then compensate for the excess weight, thus further contributing to subluxations and abnormal foot posture.
Chiropractors who focus on postural correction correct the structure of the spine, which helps runners improve their times and increase their energy. In addition to spinal correction, many of these chiropractors offer the latest technology in foot orthotics for beginners and serious runners. These contribute to a healthier gait and heel strike. By using the proper corrective spinal protocols, your running time is sure to improve!
