Structure Determines Function
Your spine is the lifeline of your body. Its shape dictates your health.
The Engineering of You
In every area of life, structure influences function. If the frame of your car is bent, the tires tend to wear unevenly and the steering is affected. Replacing the tires addresses the wear, but not what produced it — the frame is the more durable place to intervene.
Your body follows the same laws of physics. Your spine is the structural frame that protects your nervous system, the master controller of your entire body.
Normal Structure
Spinal alignment can be measured and compared against established biomechanical reference values. Where those values are met, the structure supports:
- Even weight distribution
- Minimal stress on discs & joints
- Unobstructed space for the neural structures
Abnormal Structure
When the spine shifts (Structural Shift), it forces the body to compensate. This leads to:
- Accelerated degenerative change
- Muscle spasm & fatigue
- Reduced space for the neural structures
Lateral cervical X-ray with an alignment overlay: the green line marks the ideal cervical curve; the red line traces the patient’s reduced curve.
It's Not Just About Back Pain
Your spine houses and protects the spinal cord, and the nerve roots that leave it supply the muscles and joints that let you move. Structure and neurological function are not separate questions, which is why our examination assesses both.
When the structure of your spine is compromised, it can place additional mechanical demand on the joints, discs, and surrounding tissues — what we describe as an Obstruction to normal structural function. Depending on the findings, this may show up as reduced movement, uneven loading through the joints, postural compensation, or symptoms that persist despite treatment aimed only at the painful area. Our examination is designed to establish which of these apply to you.