Enhancing Joint Stability Through Nutrition, Posture,
Muscle Resetting, and Exercise 

By: Michelle Hessberger, ND, Dipl Ac, LAc, MS Cellular and Molecular Biology 

The typical spinal adjustments are great for realigning bones that may be displaced (or subluxed) but these subluxations can often come back in the same areas requiring repeated adjustments weekly or biweekly. If your adjustments are not holding the way they should you may need some additional support to enhance joint stability.

1. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to joint instability. Did you know you more than just calcium and magnesium supplementation is needed to support proper bone health and joint stability? Manganese is needed to support the integrity of the connective tissue surrounding the joint and can be used to improve joint stability. Vitamin C, MSM, silica, potassium, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and chondroitin sulfate also help form proper collagen and connective tissue to provide better joint stability. Adequate water and other collagen constituents can be consumed in soups or broths made from cooking bones and cartilage (make sure the bones are from an organic source to avoid contaminants) for easy absorption.

2. Constant repetitive stress can lead to unstable joints and the need for repeated adjustments. Have your doctor assess your normal standing and sitting postures as well as the repetitive motions exacerbating the problem. By readjusting your axial skeleton through the muscles used in proper posture, you can often relieve stressors that can displace joints. Additionally, showing the repetitive maneuvers allow the doctor to readjust your body position so you are being ergonomically supported, which will further reduce injuries.

3. Muscle spasms can pull joints out of place and lead to joint instability. There are specific thuli (pronounced too lee) board adjustments that help "reset" muscle fibers around joints and reduce the likelihood of repeated subluxations from muscle spasms. These adjustments are similar to standard adjustments with the addition of this pressure-triggered board. The thuli board manipulations help the muscle spindle fibers reset the level of muscle tension thereby relaxing tight muscles and reducing stress placed on your joints. The thuli boards can also help increase joint range of motion and freedom of movement.

4. Muscle weakness can cause joints to become displaced or feel unstable. This is especially true when one muscle is much weaker than its opposing muscle. For instance, back pain can come from weak stomach muscles. Exercises focusing on “core” stability of both the back and stomach muscles can reduce back pain and spinal mal-alignment.

If you need some additional support for your joint integrity, set up an appointment to find out which course of action may be best for you!