The human spine functions optimally when it exists with normal alignment.  This normal alignment provides strength and flexibility for us to walk up right.  When the spine deviates from normal alignment a cascade of negative effects begin to happen.  Fortunately, specific chiropractic care in Knoxville TN focuses on correcting spinal misalignment in a safe and effective manner.

The ideal spine consists of five curves when viewed from the side and should be straight when viewed from front to back.  Each section of the spine has a specifically shaped curve critical for normal structure of the entire spine.  The cervical spine or neck has a forward curve known as lordosis.  The thoracic spine or the mid back has a backwards curve or kyphosis.  The lumbar spine or low back curves forward (lordosis).  The sacral and coccygeal regions feature a gentle convex curve at the base of the spinal cord.  These curves provide optimal function of the spine which includes motion from the neck to pelvis and protection of the spinal cord.   The curves also function to dissipate forces throughout the spine preventing a compressive force to cause uneven damage at a particular spinal level.

Maintaining the 5 sagittal curves is essential maintaining strength and flexibility of the spine.  However, common occurrences cause the loss of the spines normal curvature and alignment.  The most common causes include accidents, injuries, poor posture, and even stress.  These repetitive actions effect the spine's surrounding soft tissues including the muscles, ligaments, and discs that maintain the spine's normal curvature.  The first and most common effect from this force involves straightening of the cervical curve.  This in turn causes lack of normal spinal range of motion with irritation of the joint segments.  This damage then leads to inflammation when left untreated leads to degeneration in the spine.

Unfortunately the nervous system is also negatively affected by the loss of the cervical curve.  The brain and spinal cord are encased in a sac like covering called the meninges.  The meninges allow movement of cerebrospinal fluid to protect the central nervous system.  As the cervical spine becomes straighter, a squeezing and stretching effect occurs on the meninges that can exert compressive forces on the spinal cord.  Over time the compressive force disrupts normal function of the spinal cord affecting the control of every cell, tissue, and organ in the body.