Checking Your Spine for Misalignment

During the examination on your first visit to our practice, we use a number of tools and techniques to determine the presence and extent of any misalignments in your spine.

When your spine is not aligned properly, nerve interference is often the result. This can affect your entire body, even your immune system. Chiropractic care is designed to reduce this nerve interference, which then permits your body to assume its true, healthful vigor.

How do we determine whether there are misalignments in your spine? Well, we generally use a number of different diagnostic tests, which may include one or more of the following:

Bilateral scales – Two scales, set up side-by-side, determine if there are differences in weight distribution, between the left and right sides of your body.
 
Leg length tests – A contracted leg, causing one leg to appear shorter than the other can be a common sign of spinal misalignment.
 
Gait – We may have you walk as we notice any pelvic or spinal abnormalities that affect your stride or the way your heels strike the floor.
 
Bending – Bending in different directions and at different angles can reveal spinal problems such as inflexibility or scoliosis.
 
Rotation – Restricted movement when turning your head to the right or left can be a significant clue that misalignments are present.
 
Posture – Checking your posture from the side can reveal a forward leaning head and other postural distortions. From behind, we’ll note a high shoulder or hip.

In the early, easiest-to-correct stages, spinal misalignments often produce no noticeable symptoms. Yet. A spinal checkup in our practice can reveal problem areas that we can address before they become headaches, back pain or more serious health issues.