When one or more joints in your spine lose their ability to move correctly, the body often responds with a variety of noticeable symptoms. These are not random occurrences; they are direct signals that a part of your musculoskeletal system is under stress and not functioning as it should be. The location and nature of these symptoms often provide important clues about which areas of the spine are affected. For example, a restricted joint in the lower back can strain the surrounding muscles and irritate nerves that travel into the legs. At NC Spine & Sports, our examination process is designed to correlate the symptoms you are experiencing with specific functional issues found in your spine. We listen to your unique experience, whether you live and work in Pittsboro or commute, to understand how these symptoms are impacting your life. The goal of chiropractic adjustments is to address the underlying joint restriction, which in turn may help to alleviate the associated discomforts. Many individuals seek chiropractic care for symptoms including:
- Localized Back or Neck Pain: A distinct ache or sharp pain in a specific area that worsens with certain movements, like turning your head or bending over. This often results from the direct strain on the ligaments and muscles surrounding a restricted joint.
- Headaches Originating from the Neck: Many people experience tension headaches or pain at the base of the skull that stems from stiffness and restricted motion in the cervical spine (the neck), which can cause persistent muscle tightness.
- Discomfort Traveling into an Arm or Leg: Sensations such as tingling, numbness, or a dull ache that radiates away from the spine can be related to nerve irritation occurring where the nerve exits between two vertebrae.
- Noticeable Stiffness or Decreased Flexibility: An overall feeling of being less mobile, such as difficulty getting out of bed in the morning or feeling a "catch" in your back when you stand up after sitting for a while.
- Pain During or After Routine Activities: Experiencing discomfort while performing simple tasks like gardening, lifting a child, or participating in a favorite hobby, indicating that the body’s mechanics are compromised.