- Traumatic; such as an automobile crash, a fall, or sports injury
- Postural; such as bad work ergonomics or poor posture
When
misalignment of the Atlas occurs, the head begins to tilt. The body
then reacts to this by automatically trying to straighten the head while
keeping it centered over the feet. This instinctive search for a return
to body balance causes a great deal of stress on the spine, the spinal
cord, and the vertebral arteries.
Stress on the spine
will not only cause pain, but will also lead to instability. An
unstable spine is more susceptible to injury. Common injuries are disc
herniation, muscle pulls, stretching of ligaments, and whiplash.
Injuries that are not treated or inappropriately treated will cause
early degeneration and chronic pain.
Stress on the spinal cord
is a more serious problem because the injury is now affecting the
nerves. Nerve irritation at the top part of the neck causes headaches
and facial pain. Nerve irritation in the rest of the spine causes
generalized back pain and can also cause shooting pain down the arms and
legs. If the nerve irritation is left untreated chronic pain, nerve
damage, and muscle weakness will develop.
Stress on the vertebral arteries
can cause serious symptoms as well. The vertebral arteries supply blood
to the back 1/3 of the brain and spinal cord. The important structures
are the brainstem and cerebellum. The slightest change in blood flow to
the brain can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms
are migraine, vertigo, balance problems, hypertension, and general
fatigue.
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