The lumbar spine typically consists of 5 bones (vertebra) and 5 intervertebral discs, thick bands of cartilage between the vertebra, which function as part of the shock absorbing mechanism of the spine. Between any two vertebrae are three joints, the disc between the two vertebra forms one joint limiting motion, and 2 joints toward the back of the vertebrae guiding joint motion. The lumbar (low back) vertebra have the greatest degree of movement during forward and backward bending, but have much less movement in rotation and side bending. When placed under extreme rotational stresses, an extreme back swing, the intervertebral disc can be damaged, resulting in small tears in the intervertebral disc. These tears weaken the disc consequently less support is given to the joint setting it up for even greater damage. When joints lose their integrity, less support is given to the vertebrae, and consequently they start to lose their normal position. Damage to a disc reduces spinal mobility and is usually painful. Without intervention, disc damage progresses to spinal degeneration. Without intervention, disc damage progresses to spinal degeneration. Chiropractic adjustments help to restore the vertebrae to a more normal position allowing the supporting ligaments to heal properly.

Many people feel that they do not need chiropractic care because they do not have any pain. Not all nerve fibers are sensory fibers detecting pain. Research estimates 30% of nerve fibers are sensory. Consequently pressure on a nerve may go unnoticed. The nervous system also has an amazing ability to accommodate, or get used to things. For example, when you put a hat on in the morning, you feel it but by the end of the day you cannot. That is nervous system accommodation. Because nerves supply all body tissue, you may experience only subtle changes in muscle strength and coordination, which can adversely affect your handicap. In addition, symptoms such as pain may not appear until degeneration is advanced. If detected early, degenerative changes can be stopped and even reversed. As degeneration becomes more severe, changes cannot be reversed and joint crippling occurs. This crippling presents itself in the form of osteoarthritis, a fancy word for a damaged or degenerated joint. A severely degenerated at this stage is extremely limited in motion. The good news is that having you spine checked on a regular basis can prevent degeneration.

A 1999 article published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics reports that a professional golfer experienced increased ranges of motion for all planes of his golf swing after receiving chiropractic manipulation.

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