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Writer's pictureDr. Rory Dopps

Why Attempting Your Own Spinal Adjustment Can Cause Long-term Damage for Safe Spinal Health


Close-up of an individual experiencing neck pain, with one hand supporting their neck, and their face reflecting discomfort. The background is subtle, ensuring the emphasis remains on the person's struggle with pain.
A person holding their neck in discomfort, wearing casual clothing, and showing a facial expression of pain. The setting is neutral, highlighting the focus on the individual's neck pain.

 

Introduction


Dopps Chiropractic, led by Dr. Rory Dopps, who holds a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and has 20 years of experience in the field, is committed to providing personalized, professional chiropractic care for patients seeking pain relief and improved wellness. Dr. Rory Dopps has extensive experience in spinal health, ensuring that every patient receives safe and effective treatment tailored to their needs.


Spinal adjustments are vital for maintaining proper alignment and overall spinal health, which is crucial for safe spinal health. They help alleviate pain, improve nerve function, and support your body's natural healing processes. However, attempting to perform spinal adjustments on your own can be extremely dangerous and lead to long-term damage. Improper techniques not only fail to correct misalignments effectively but can also introduce new issues, including chronic pain, nerve damage, and even permanent spinal injury.





Spinal Misalignments: The Complex Nature of the Spine


Understanding Subluxations


The spine is a complex structure, and its misalignments, known as subluxations, can have widespread effects on overall health. A subluxation occurs when a vertebra is misaligned, putting pressure on nerves and disrupting the body’s natural communication pathways. This interference can manifest as pain, limited mobility, and even issues with internal organ function.


Causes of Spinal Misalignments


Common causes of spinal misalignments include poor posture, injuries, and repetitive stress from daily activities. Sitting for prolonged periods, heavy lifting, and even improper sleeping positions can all contribute to misalignments.


Consequences of Misalignments


When left untreated, spinal misalignments can lead to chronic issues such as nerve compression, impaired bodily functions, and persistent back pain. The longer these misalignments remain, the more likely they are to contribute to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis and disc degeneration.


Chiropractic Techniques for Safe Spinal Health


Manual Chiropractic Adjustments


Chiropractors use specialized techniques to safely adjust the spine. Methods such as Diversified, Gonstead, and Thompson are designed to target specific spinal misalignments effectively. These techniques involve precise hand placements and controlled force to realign vertebrae, reduce pain, and restore proper movement.


Tailored Adjustments


Unlike the general, risky methods people might attempt at home, chiropractors offer personalized adjustments based on an individual's unique spinal health and body type. They assess spinal conditions thoroughly to determine the best course of action, avoiding a "one-size-fits-all" approach, which can be harmful when performed without proper expertise.


The Dangers of Self-Adjustment


Lack of Expertise


Chiropractors undergo years of rigorous education and training in anatomy, biomechanics, and manual adjustment techniques. This level of knowledge is crucial in performing adjustments safely and effectively—knowledge that most individuals simply do not possess.


Potential for Further Misalignment


Without proper training, attempting self-adjustment can easily lead to further misalignments. Applying too much force or using incorrect angles can destabilize other parts of the spine, creating new issues and compounding existing problems. For example, many people mistakenly twist their lower back too forcefully, which can lead to additional misalignments or even muscle strains.


Risk of Injury


Improper self-adjustment can result in serious injuries, including disc herniation, joint damage, and nerve compression. These injuries can require extensive treatment and lead to long-term pain or even permanent damage.


Long-term Benefits of Professional Chiropractic Realignment


Pain Relief


Professional chiropractic care provides effective pain relief for conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches. By precisely targeting misalignments, chiropractors help alleviate discomfort and restore the spine's natural alignment.


Improved Nerve Function


Correcting spinal misalignments also improves nerve function. When the spine is properly aligned, nerve pathways can transmit signals more efficiently, enhancing overall health, including immune response and organ function.


Prevention of Degeneration


Regular chiropractic care helps prevent spinal degeneration by maintaining proper alignment, reducing stress on joints, and preventing wear-and-tear conditions like osteoarthritis.


Complementary Exercises for Spinal Health


Core Strengthening


Strengthening your core muscles provides essential support to the spine, reducing the risk of misalignments. Exercises such as planks and bridges can be particularly beneficial.


Flexibility Training


Flexibility exercises like are excellent for maintaining spinal flexibility and relieving tension in the back muscles, making chiropractic adjustments more effective and lasting.


Postural Exercises


Maintaining good posture is key to spinal health. Exercises such as wall angels and chin tucks help to improve posture and keep the spine in proper alignment between chiropractic visits.


Supplement Recommendation


To support spinal health, consider incorporating Omega-3 fish oil into your diet. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing spinal pain. Check out Omega-3 supplements from Designs for Health to help reduce inflammation and support joint health.


Suggestion for Home Support


Maintaining ergonomic support at home or work can prevent spinal misalignments. Consider using ergonomic tools such as adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, and monitor stands to maintain proper posture. Additionally, make sure your workspace is set up to reduce strain on your neck and back, such as positioning your screen at eye level and keeping your feet flat on the floor. A high-quality lumbar support cushion can provide crucial support while sitting, helping maintain the natural curve of the spine. Find a highly-rated lumbar support cushion to help protect your spine during daily activities.


Conclusion


Attempting to adjust your own spine can be dangerous and lead to long-term complications, including injury and chronic pain. At Dopps Chiropractic, Dr. Rory Dopps uses professional chiropractic care to safely correct spinal misalignments, improve nerve function, and prevent degenerative conditions. Dr. Dopps' expertise ensures that each patient gets the individualized attention needed for effective and lasting relief.


Complementing chiropractic adjustments with exercises, specific nutritional supports like Omega-3 fish oil and vitamin D, and proper ergonomic tools such as lumbar support cushions and adjustable desks can further enhance spinal health.


To ensure your spine stays healthy and pain-free, consider scheduling a consultation with a licensed chiropractor. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Dr. Dopps' Chiropractic Website to learn more about Dr. Rory Dopps and the comprehensive chiropractic services offered.


For safe spinal health, consider visiting our Google My Business page to learn more about our services and location.

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