Shoulder, Knees, Hips, Ankles…It’s Still A Spine Problem
Extremities….aka, shoulders, knees, ankles, wrists or whatever extremity you want to throw in the mix is all related to the spine. “Look well to the spine for the cause of disease” – Hippocrates. When extremity problems present themselves in our life, we forget about the structure that provides life to those parts of our body; the spine. Now, what about incidences that occur like with Nancy Kerrigan. For those who don’t remember, Nancy Kerrigan was an Olympian struck in the knee by an individual who wanted to cause her harm. In these cases, this is a simple cause and effect situation. For everything else, pay attention to the spine and what it offers in your healing abilities.
The Nerve Of That Extremity
To understand that healing begins in the spine, you must understand the importance of the central nerve system. Every tissue cell that makes up any extremity, whether it’s your shoulder, knee, wrist or whatever, is originated and can be traced back to a specific spinal nerve. For example, think about the wrist and carpal tunnel. The concept is that the large amount of time spent typing causes inflammation in the wrist. What most fail to realize is that the wrist and any muscle movement used for typing is controlled via your lower cervical spinal nerves. Sure, the person is typing for hours upon hours, but what about the position of the monitor. What about their neck posture…etc? Are they constantly looking down and then back up and creating constant flexion and extension in the lower cervical part of the neck? Most of the time…YES! Specifically for the wrist, it’s called double crush syndrome. The first “crush” (irritated nerve fiber) will occur at the cervical spinal nerve and then the second “crush” will occur in the shoulder, elbow or wrist.
It’s No Coincidence
Every tissue cell of your body traces back to a specific spinal nerve. Take care of the spine first and foremost and extremity dysfunction will cease to exist. With a healthy spine, the tissue cells in your extremities will increase its adaptability and perform at peak potential. The most important project you’ll ever work on is yourself. Technology has become a literal “pain” in the neck. Don’t forget to mind your posture and look to the spine first.
