What is a common issue associated with spinal fixation?

Spinal fixation is often associated with hypomobility, which refers to a decreased range of motion in the affected joints. When there is fixation, the vertebrae may become locked or restricted in their ability to move properly. This can lead to compensatory changes in the surrounding soft tissues, such as ligaments, muscles, and fascia, which may adapt to the restricted joint movement.

These related soft-tissue changes can include muscle tightness, weakness, or spasms in areas surrounding the fixation, impacting overall function and potentially causing pain or discomfort. Understanding this connection is crucial in chiropractic practice, as addressing both the structural and soft-tissue components can help restore optimal function and alleviate symptoms for the patient. This focus on the interplay between joint mobility and surrounding tissue health is a core aspect of applying Palmer Chiropractic principles in practice.