A kinetic chain is a process in which each link in the chain is affected by the movement of other links. Energy and movement in one segment create a chain reaction that impacts the whole. One example would be falling dominoes or playing cards, but the most prevalent example for chiropractic patients is the spine. Like a falling chain of dominoes, kinetic energy impacts every segment of the spine.
The Spine as a Kinetic Chain
The spine makes up a kinetic chain. Chiropractors understand that a holistic approach provides the best method of ensuring total body care when assessing and addressing symptoms of disease. The existence of a problem in one area of the spine radiates into other parts of the spine and body.
Pain tends to be the last indication that a problem exists, so your best choice is to be proactive, especially when it comes to spinal health. This ensures the body is kept in the best position possible to prevent pain and disease from occurring. Chiropractors and other spinal health professionals understand and approach the spine as a powerful kinetic chain that influences the health of the entire body.
Dr. John Bland, a leading spine expert, accurately stated:
“We tend to divide the examination of the spine into regions: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine clinical studies. This is a mistake. The three units are closely interrelated structurally and functionally. A whole person with a whole spine. The cervical spine (neck) may be symptomatic (painful) because of a thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (low back) spine abnormality, and vice versa. Sometimes treating the lumbar spine will relieve a cervical spine syndrome, or proper management of the cervical spine will relieve a low back ache.”
– Disorders of the Cervical Spine*
The spine consists of 24 movable bones stacked on top of each other with a shock absorber in between each segment. The shock absorber is called an intervertebral disc. Chiropractic care focuses on the health and functionality of the entire spine to ensure proper alignment and movement within each vertebra and disc.
The spine also intimately connects with the brain and central nervous system. Movement makes up a key ingredient in proper brain and nervous system function. Proper movement means the brain and body communicate to the fullest potential. Every adjustment helps unlock stiffness or lack of mobility to ensure the process of maximum health and healing.
Protect Your Spinal Health With Somerset Hills Chiropractic
As the spine gets healthier and more well-adjusted, the body gets healthier through better nervous system function. Proactively detecting and addressing all areas of the spine within the kinetic chain remains the ultimate goal. Chiropractors take pride in helping their practice members achieve healthier, more active lives without drugs or surgery.
Ready to start experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care? Schedule an appointment at Somerset Hills Chiropractic in Bernardsville, NJ.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Brian Wallace
Dr. Glenn Eigenmann
Dr. Bill Wallace
*University of Vermont College of Medicine, 1994. “Disorders of the Cervical Spine.” John Bland, MD. Professor of Medicine.
