Signs Your Spine Is Misaligned

A misaligned spine can cause pain and stiffness and is one of the leading reasons that patients seek chiropractic care. Maintaining proper spine alignment is crucial, as the musculoskeletal system affects many of your body's major systems and functions. There are many signs that your spine is misaligned. Many are so common that most people don't give them a second thought, especially if they are experiencing mild or occasional aches and stiffness. With the right treatment, however, patients can live pain-free lives.

Symptoms of Spine Misalignment

Many of the symptoms of a misaligned spine are extremely common. Almost everyone can attest that they have experienced at least some of them at one point in their lives. Because these symptoms are so common, patients may not seek treatment right away, which can lead to increased pain as time goes on. Other symptoms are less common, though there are things that you can do at home to see if you may need to see a chiropractor for an adjustment.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of a spine misalignment can take many forms. These symptoms include repeated headaches or headaches that persist for several days on end. Other common symptoms include fatigue, stiffness in the neck or back, or pain when twisting, bending, or lifting. Many patients experience pain in their backs when they wake up in the morning, after sitting for extended periods of time, or suffer from sore, achy muscles.

While these symptoms may seem minor, and many believe they are just a part of getting older, this may not be the case. Each of these symptoms can be a sign that your spine is not aligned correctly, especially if you experience more than one on the list.

Less Common Symptoms

There are other symptoms of a misaligned spine that may be harder to spot, or that patients aren't aware that they should be looking for. Some of these harder-to-spot symptoms include having difficulty concentrating, digestive problems, frequent sickness, or wearing shoes out quickly.

Wearing shoes out quickly may seem like an odd symptom of spinal issues, but it can be due to uneven leg length due to a misalignment in your spine. Don't worry, though; your legs aren't actually uneven. The problem is usually due to a twist in the spine and can be adjusted with chiropractic treatment.

Simple Tests You Can Do at Home

There are quick self-exams that you can do at home to see if you may need to see a chiropractor for a back adjustment. Aside from being aware of the symptoms discussed above, try the below exercises to evaluate your spinal health.

Check the Flare of Your Feet

This may seem odd, but the direction your feet face when you walk can tell you a lot about your spine. There is an easy test to do that takes less than thirty seconds to complete. Watch your feet as you walk and observe their positioning. Both feet should face straight ahead of you with each step. If one or both faces either outward or inward, there may be a problem in your spine.

Use Two Scales at the Same Time

A balancing act of sorts, you can use two scales simultaneously to check if your weight is distributed evenly between your two legs. Place two scales side by side, making sure that they have been centered and set to zero. Step on one scale with each foot at the same time, and read the final weight. If your legs are bearing weight evenly, the scales will read the same. If the numbers are different, you may be favoring one leg over the other, a sign that your spine is misaligned.

Mark a Mirror

This test is more challenging to do on your own, so ask a friend or family member for help. Stand with your back flush against a full-length mirror and have someone use a dry erase marker to note where each of your shoulders, elbows, and hips are. The marks of each body part should be symmetrical. If one shoulder, elbow, or hip is a different height than the other, you may have a misalignment in your spine.

Chiropractic Care Can Help

If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, you may need a chiropractic adjustment. Even if your symptoms are mild and you do not consider them to be a significant inconvenience, seeking care from a chiropractor can bring relief.

Not only does ChiroCare of Florida offer traditional adjustments to treat problems with the spine, but there are a variety of other treatment methods available. We customize each treatment plan to meet our patients' needs best. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.