The importance of a healthy spine with Dr. Shelly Jones of Chiropractic Wellness Center
Your chiropractor will always have your back, and I cannot thank mine enough. I've been seeing Dr. Shelly at Chiropractic Wellness Center Inc. for almost six months now, and my spine has never felt better.
Dr. Shelly has more than three decades of experience. She maintains a full-time family practice in Forest Acres, SC, is certified in the Webster Technique (specializing in the care of pregnant women), and has studied extensively with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. She has a passion for caring for newborns and infants and has made it a very special part of her practice.
She has been voted Best Chiropractor by readers of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine since 2015, and in 2021 she was recognized as Chiropractor of the Year by Palmetto State Chiropractic Association.
There are many reasons to visit a chiropractor, and this Q+A explores Dr. Shelly's experience and how alignment helps shape our overall wellness.
Q. What role does the spine play in our bodies?
A. The role of your spine is not only to give you posture and ability to carry your body upright, but its role is also to be the bony protection around the brain, spinal cord, and nerve roots. Those areas are so important and unique that they have a bony protective covering.
The spine also gives us the ability to move all the ligaments and tendons attach to bone, the majority in the spine.
Q. What are signs that there is misalignment with the spine?
A. There are many signs — and yet sometimes there are none, which is why chiropractors have specific training to challenge and assess spinal joints to determine misalignment or dysfunction. The use of X-rays is very helpful too.
Musculoskeletal Signs include:
Pain and discomfort
Decreased range of motion
Numbness, tingling, or burning
Decreased ability to do everyday activities
Not sleeping well
Diminished bodily functions
Every part of our body is controlled by a nerve that originates at a level of the spinal joint, so literally every symptoms has some neurological component that should be considered.
The symptoms for infants and children are totally different. The assessment and care for infants and children are totally different as well. Likewise, X-rays are not necessary unless significant trauma has occurred.
Q. What are some ways that people can work on improving spine health?
A. Chiropractic care is the best way to improve spine health because the adjustment restores alignment and function, minimizing or eliminating interference to nerve impulses and helping your body self regulate the nervous system. This in turn helps you feel better, move easier, and age well. Movement is key, but proper movement of spinal joints is imperative to spine and nervous system health.
You can follow Dr. Shelly on Instagram or check out her blog for helpful tips, or schedule an appointment with her on her website to get your spine in alignment.