Ideal range of motion of a joint is a complete hinge from A to Z

Many people still do not know when to turn to a chiropractor for help. I am going to go over some of the easy ways to know that you are a candidate for treatment. Obviously pain is a driving force but that is not the only reason to seek care. Some of the less known reason includes loss of range of motion, leg length discrepancy and posture. I am going to help you identify each one so you can know when you need to see a chiropractor and help a friend, co-worker or family member.

The first topic is range of motion. Ideal range of motion of a joint is a complete hinge from A to Z. Think of it as a door swinging along its hinge from the wall to the latch. In the case of your neck, you should be able to turn and look over each shoulder equally. If you don’t make it all the way but can push it further if you try, it is mostly likely a muscular issue. If you are as far as it can go and will not move any more, you have joint issue. Just like the door, example it will swing to the wall but not latch. That’s where we come in. The chiropractic adjustment will bring the joint to its end range and then with a small force set it back into the latch (sort of speak). In the lower back, try to touch your toes. Does one hand pass the knee more than the other? Same concept.

Leg length discrepancy can be discovered in a few different ways. Most commonly is the tailor. Ever go get your pants hemmed and the tailor tells you one leg is longer than the other? Well it is unlikely you were born that way. More likely that your pelvis is out of alignment, a chiropractic issue. Another easy way to tell is to lie face down and keep your head straight. Have a friend or family member bring your heels together and see if they are even. They should be within a ¼ “ from side to side, if not it is a chiropractic issue.

  

Posture is a huge topic but I want to touch on it briefly. Stand in front of the mirror, close your eyes and rock your head back and forth three times. When you open your eyes observe your shoulders and your head position. Do they seem perfectly even or is one side higher than the other. For fun look at newscasters on TV. You will see their heads tilted off to one side, probably needing an adjustment (shoot them and email and tell them they need help). To check the lower back, close your eyes and march in place in front of the mirror then observe your hips do they seem even front and back or side to side.

I hope I helped identify some of the reasons to visit a chiropractor. Many of these concepts are not taught by the school nurse during a scoliosis check and rarely by your PCP. You do only get one spine and it is up to you to care for it for a lifetime.

~ Dr Stephen Estner

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Dr. Stephen Estner is a Chiropractor in Rhode Island with office locations in Pawtucket and Cranston, Rhode Island. His offices offer chiropractic rehabilitation through acupuncture, massage therapy, and manipulation of the spine, joints, and muscles. Dr. Estner treats all spinal injuries, back pain, and symptoms including those due to automobile accidents, workplace and sports injuries, pregnancy, and provides general care and maintenance of the spine.
For more information or to schedule an appointment please visit: http://www.DrEstner.com.