What Do a Slinky, Coral, and Hockey Puck Have To Do With Your Health?

What Do a Slinky, Coral, and Hockey Puck Have To Do With Your Health? 

Some (not all) people realize that if an object gets used frequently, then that object will require attention at some point in time to ensure optimal function or use. The object could be a car or your body. 

Most people who are concerned about optimal function of their bodies will include things or actions in their life to enhance or protect their bodies or at least try and stack the deck in their favor - so to speak.

For many this will include exercise, avoiding certain foods, adding foods, along with other preventative health measures to enhance the protection of their health.  Such as: Getting your teeth cleaned, a physical by your family doctor, etc, etc...

And, just for fun...

Can you answer this Question?: What do the numbers below represent?

120 over 80
98.6
90-120
Under 200

Did you guess them all right?

I bet MOST of the above NORMALS for body function folks reading this blog got right. And if your numbers are outside these normal ranges this is an indicator of a health problem that needs to be addressed by your family doctor.


A Harder Question: What is the NORMAL range for your spine?

(crickets, crickets, crickets)

Most folks have no idea that there is indeed a NORMAL for your spine.

 So exactly what is normal for your spine?

As you all know the normal spine has curves, these curves have a specific function, and shape of protection and mobility. The vertebrae that makes up the curves protect your nerves and spinal cord with maximum flexibility. 

The normal cervical/neck curve is 40 to 60 degree and the normal low back curve/lumbar is 30 to 40 degrees.

And yes, no one has a perfect spine - however Normal Structure is not an option. Meaning if you are outside these normal ranges, this indicates a structural problem with your spine - which leads to Secondary Conditions/symptoms, i.e. back and neck pain.

It's just like blood pressure, body temperature, blood sugar and cholesterol in the above example of other normals of the body - same with your spine.

Or put another way...

The curve is like a slinky - when you have a curve within normal range (not perfect) your spine is flexible, while still providing ultimate protection.

Many patients never really think about bones - really why would you, unless you have discomfort or pain.  Even when you don't think about bones they are very active growing, remodeling, repairing and unfortunately degenerating.

Coral, is a perfect example of bone.

It's porous like bone, it's alive like bone and always changing depending on the environment the coral lives. Bone changes with abnormal pressure, this change is called degeneration - not good.

You see the normal curve  distributes the weight of your spine evenly. With a Primary Condition like a  abnormal structural shift, this places an abnormal pressure on bones causing accelerated degeneration of not only the bone, but of the spinal discs as well.

Most believe that in your spine your bones are stronger than your discs - mainly because your discs have been explained to be like a jelly donuts - which is not entirely accurate.

Your spinal discs are more like a hockey puck - yes very strong.

You see your body will protect your discs at all costs, this is why your vertebrae will change shape first before your discs (Wolfs Law).

When the bones or vertebrae change shape they lose their normal structure which causes function problems. One of the functions of a normal spine is to keep mobility, this mobility helps the discs to receive nutrition.  When mobility is altered due to abnormal Primary Condition or a structural shift the consequence is the disc desiccating (drying out), which makes the disc vulnerable to bulge or herniation.

How Do You Know If You Have a Spinal Structural Condition....

You don't really, unless you get checked by a doctor who focus on structural problems. Just like you don't know if your coronary artery is blocked, until you get checked.

However, a quick check is the "Wall Test"

Place your back against the wall, with the back of your head and back of your shoulders touching the wall.  Note how you feel against the wall.

Next.... take a step forward holding the same position of your head and shoulders slowly and slightly relax - this is most likely NORMAL position.

Next... relax to where you feel comfortable. Note the HUGE difference between the middle NORMAL vs your Comfortable (ABNORMAL) position.

If you notice a huge or big difference than more than likely you have a structural problem that can lead to Secondary Conditions - most likely pain. It doesn't matter if you get massaged, work out with a trainer, Physical Therapist, acupuncture, meditate, use herbs - if you have a Structural Condition, then the correct choice of doctors, is one that focuses on Structural Conditions.

Just like you wouldn't take your Mercedes CLK for a tune up at a paint and body shop or go to a Cardiologist for a foot problem or use a hammer when a specific tool is need for a meticulously task.

My point?

Normal Structure IS NOT an option.

Have a great day!