Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Over the years, our healthy spine can start to break down from natural degeneration and physical stress. When this happens, discs and vertebrae can shift, and this can lead to progressive spinal misalignment. If your spine becomes misaligned, stress may not be displaced properly, leading to further degeneration and problems. That’s why it’s so important to take care of spinal misalignment issues in their infancy.

One of the most common questions we get in regards to spinal alignment issues is whether or not the issue will go away on its own. We seek to answer that question and provide some guidance in today’s blog.

Will An Alignment Issue Go Away On Its Own?

When someone asks whether their spinal misalignment issue will “go away on its own,” we oftentimes ask to clarify what they mean by “on its own.” For example, many spinal alignment issues can resolve without surgical intervention, so in that instance, yes, the body can heal itself. Now if someone is implying that the problem will go away if they don’t do anything to treat the issue, there’s where we need to work to correct this misconception. Doing “nothing” will typically only serve to exacerbate symptoms. You’ll need to practice some proactive treatment options, but the problem may go away without surgery if you follow those tips.

So when it comes down to treating a spinal misalignment issue, how can we help the body heal itself and allow it to heal on its own? Here are some tips:

1. Seek Out A Specialist – While you may not see a doctor’s visit as a way to help your back heal on its own, it’s easier to avoid surgery if you know exactly what you’re dealing with and how to best treat it. For example, if your misalignment issue stems from a pinched nerve, your treatment will be different than if you have mild scoliosis. Doctors are always going to push non-operative treatment options first as long as it’s not a life threatening issue, so even though you’re visiting a doctor, know that they will likely give you some personalized tips to treat your condition from the comfort of your home.
2. Exercise – While it depends on your individualized care plan, oftentimes patients are recommended to consider mild to moderate intensity exercise to help with their alignment issue. Exercise helps to strengthen supportive structures and keep everything functioning as it should. If traditional exercise like running is too uncomfortable, seek out some less impactful exercises, like cycling or swimming.
3. Physical Therapy – Physical therapy exercises are another treatment option that are typically recommended for many conditions that can contribute to spinal misalignment. Physical therapy helps to target specific regions or tissues in your spine that are playing a role in your misalignment. A physical therapist can also help adjust your therapy routine as your condition improves. Make sure you are performing your exercises each day.
4. Manual Manipulation – A spine specialist or chiropractor can also help to correct your alignment issue with manual manipulation. Using pressure and movement techniques, your specialist can work to free compressed nerves or alleviate muscle tension that could be contributing to your spinal misalignment.

For more tips, or for help with your alignment issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.

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