Range of Motion: What is it?
Range of motion is the extent of movement of each joint in the human body. Our bodies have so many capabilities especially when it comes to our range of motion. This is because our skeleton is being pushed and pulled by the muscles and ligaments that are attached to it.
Human bodies are like a 3D puzzle. Every piece has a place and they all fit together to create the bigger picture: you! Our muscles help our bodies control our movements. They help you walk, talk, eat and obviously so much more. Those muscles are connected to our bones by connective tissue. While our muscles do the heavy lifting, our skeletons help us keep our solid form. They are the building blocks of our body. Working together, our bones and muscles create our mobility.
Our flexibility comes from our muscles being able to move the bones where the brain wants them to go. It’s how you reach forward to grab that apple or even walk from place to place. It’s a good thing that we are so flexible, otherwise we would move around about as well as trees. Range of motion distinguishes us from our arboreous friends. If we were all bone, we’d be too rigid. On the other hand, if we were all muscle, we wouldn’t be able to hold ourselves up. The very fact that we walk around every day is a testament to the capabilities of our mobility.
Why is it important?
But why is it important to be able to access your full range of motion? If I can walk away from the car accident, isn’t that enough? No! Simply being “not a tree” is not enough.
Better range of motion in your joints can:
- increase your strength;
- increase your balance;
- increase your flexibility;
- reduce pain.
Human mobility is important because our skeletons are so easily moved, they can often get pulled around and stuck in positions we don’t want them to be in. In a car accident, your body can be jolted into positions that are out of its natural alignment.
Misalignment is most common in the spine but can be present in just about every joint in the body. This misalignment limits your mobility and robs you of full access to your body’s everyday capabilities.
Sometimes misalignment can be difficult to recognize. When you’ve been in a car accident, it’s safe to assume that your body is going to need a little help. There are also other signs. Dr. Gregory Johnson from Advancedhoustonchiropractor.com says that a misaligned spine can come with symptoms such as:
- dizziness;
- balance problems;
- reduced range of motion;
- reduced spinal mobility;
- muscle tightness, weakness, or spasms;
- pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities;
- joint pain, soreness, or tenderness.
A misaligned spine can also lead to a number of health risks that can accumulate on top of an already large bill that commonly follows a car accident.
Risks
Ignoring your misaligned joints is the same as ignoring any other health problems. It is important to take care of your body and that includes your skeleton. Just like with a medical concern, not taking care of a misaligned spine can lead to much bigger problems.You wouldn’t tell someone with pneumonia to “just get over it” and a misalignment should be treated with equal importance. Car accidents can cause a lot of damage but you don’t have to live with those damages forever. You don’t have to live with the pain. In fact, it can be worse for you if you do.
Healthline.com says that these risks include:
- chronic pain;
- joint stiffness;
- slouched posture;
- permanently reduced range of motion;
- decreased mobility;
- discomfort when sitting, standing, or laying down;
- permanent joint and bone deformities;
- broken bones, especially in the spine;
- respiratory issues;
- sciatica.
Whether it be minor discomfort or serious concerns, none of these problems are worth having. Lucky for you, they are avoidable if you seek treatment after an accident.
Where can I get help?
A chiropractor is just the person to help you heal after an accident and avoid any long-term complications or health problems. They are trained in helping people who have been in a car accident. Chiropractors can help you get back the full capabilities of your mobility. They are the best resource after a car accident to help you correct any joint misalignment.
You deserve access to the wide range of motion your body has to offer. The chiropractors at Axcess Accident Center want to give you the key to restoring your range of motion. They want to help you get back the mobility of your own body.
Contact Axcess Accident Center Today online or by calling (801) 701-8222. Your consultation is free and you won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket costs if you have recently been in a car accident, so don’t hesitate to seek treatment now.
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