What is a Joint Dysfunction?
Our body is interconnected; it relies on our brain to send signals to them regularly to function properly—also known as the motor function. Likewise, when the skin or muscle feels something, it will send those signals to the brain to notify it. In this case, it is the sensory function.
The nervous system carries signals which originate from our brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord is a direct extension of our brain (together, they make the central nervous system) which branches out to our entire body via smaller nerves we collectively name the peripheral nervous system.
As the spinal cord runs in between our spine, any form of dysfunction in between the spinal joints would put pressure on the nerves. A pinched nerve will disturb the signalling system; which leads to pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or other symptoms being felt not in the spine but in other parts of the body.
What Causes This Dysfunction?
In a healthy body, aligned spinal joints allow optimal body function without presenting any pain or weakness. This ideal alignment is maintained and held by our muscles & ligaments that surround the joint or spine.
They also help to reduce compressive loads onto the spinal disc. It allows our nerves to travel freely around the spine without pinching or compression. Spinal joints are independent and move freely from each other.
It enables flexibility for joints to move; it also allows the joints to move out of alignment when excessive or repetitive forces are applied. It can be caused by:
- Traumatic excessive force (car accident, fall, etc.)
- Muscle contractions that pull joints out of alignment (excessive unilateral exercises, muscle injury, etc.)
- Poor posture (prolonged use of mobile phone/laptop, etc.)
- Repetitive motions on one side (occupational hazard, etc.)
- Genetic deformities (scoliosis)
