‘Pain-free’ a faulty indicator of joint health

The old “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” attitude has proven to cause devastating problems when it comes to joint health.

I have often treated patients who come in for pain in one area of their body. During our evaluation, in addition to the primary complaint, we also find loss of flexibility and tenderness upon palpation in other areas.

A case comes to mind where a woman came in for low back pain. Further evaluation revealed that she had a severe reaction to my examining her neck. What we found was a condition called vertebral subluxation of her low back and her neck. Remember, her primary complaint was not her neck. The x-ray above showed premature aging of the joints of her neck (now called degenerative disc disease) well beyond her present age. She presented with a history of fatigue, loss of sleep, headaches and dizziness; also constipation and depression. She reported no history of trauma in the last five years, but related that her job is quite stressful and requires her to do a good bit of telephone work.

There is a lot to know today about micro-trauma, which accumulates in the spine. Just think about years of sitting at a desk, with the telephone receiver propped between her shoulder and ear; it without a doubt caused a repetitive stress injury to her neck and the worn out discs and joints observed in the side view of her neck.  Correction of the subluxations restores joint function and reduces nerve interference necessary for optimum health and vitality. Unfortunately, there are millions of Americans whose lifestyle reflects a wait-and-see approach rather than a proactive lifestyle. Pain is often the final, not the first, sign of a health problem.   Several recent research studies relating to my clinical finding, with this and many other patients, will be discussed at two upcoming workshops at Heritage of Peachtree Retirement Community Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. and at the Durden Chiropractic Clinic Sept. 27 at 6 p.m.  Call 770-631-7600 to reserve a seat.

— Dr. Marilyn L. Durden