My Spine: How Does It Work and What Is It's Role?

“Exactly how does my spine work and what is its role? Why all the focus on the spine, Doc?”

Answer: Did you know that your body is an engineering miracle? It is truly amazing what I’m about to describe about your spine and body. The cervical spine of your neck consists of 7 interlocking bones. Kind of like Legos. The brain stem becomes the spinal cord, which is the “information super highway” of your nervous system. This is what enables your heart to beat without your conscious awareness, keeps you digesting food, feeling pain, experiencing pleasure, and all the…

Miracles of life
we experience!

The forward curve of the neck is known as a lordosis. This curve is what enables you to turn your head side to side and gaze toward the ceiling. An injury such as whiplash can cause the spine joints to not move enough… or… others to move too much! These changes negatively impact the nervous system. When the spine loses its natural shape, it can pinch the nerves coming out of the spine. We call these subluxations and they alter the way your nervous system sends and receives sensations. Ill health can result, because it throws off the body’s ability to communicate within itself. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae in the lower back. Like the neck, it should have a natural curve. Like tributaries of a river, nerves exiting the spine in this area form the sciatic nerves which run down the back of each leg. A healthy spine allows you to be and do your best by protecting the vital nervous systems link between your brain and your body.

A keen awareness of the spine’s importance can enable you to live a vital, full life. Be aware that if you or someone you love has been feeling pain for more than 48 hours, please seek the help of the Doctors of Back To Action immediately. We’re only a phone call away at (425) 670-2600. Or schedule an appointment here.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Alderwood Auto Accidents

Alderwood car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Mill Creek Auto Accidents

Mill Creek car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Seattle Auto Accidents

Seattle car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Everett Auto Accidents

Everett car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Shoreline Auto Accidents

Shoreline car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Edmonds Auto Accidents

Edmonds car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Bothell Auto Accidents

Bothell car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Mountlake Terrace Auto Accidents

Mountlake Terrace car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Lynnwood Auto Accidents

Lynnwood car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Woodway Auto Accidents

Woodway car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Weight Loss: Still Struggling to Lose those Holiday Pounds?

Let’s deal with a tough fact. Without a doubt there is a link between obesity and back problems. When the body carries around extra weight than is needed, it puts strains on those important areas such as the spine. (One reason we preach overall patient “wellness” which includes a healthy lifestyle.) Want an easy way to drop 500 calories a day, without breaking a sweat? I found this in a recent issue of Prevention:



“The average lunch or dinner and even some breakfasts, can run up to 800 calories or more. So by simply substituting one 300-calorie meal for a usual meal, you can cut as many as 500 calories a day. Doing so you will lose 1 lb. in a week,” according to Cathy Nonas, RD, a researcher at the New York Obesity Research Center.



For most patients, breakfast will be the easiest meal to eat nutritionally “right.” So, let’s look at the first meal of the day and see where a lower-calorie substitution can be made. Consider these relatively pain-free and nutritious alternatives:



· 1 fried egg (made with cooking spray), 2 pieces of wheat toast (dry) and a ½ cup of orange juice.

· 8 ounces of Stonyfield Farm fat-free French vanilla yogurt with 1 Tbsp. Slivered almonds, ½ medium apple sliced, 1 Tbsp. raisins and 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed.

· 1 McDonald’s low-fat apple bran muffin and a cup of tea.

· 1 cup of Cheerios with 1 small sliced banana, 1 Tbsp. of chopped walnuts and ½ cup of fat-free milk.

These suggestions are appealing for a number of reasons. First, these are everyday foods that most people like. Dieters aren’t resigned to radical changes like cottage cheese. Second, dieters don’t end up starving themselves—a factor that often leads to cravings, binges and failure. Combine good health with chiropractic care from Back To Action, and the sky is the limit for you in 2009! If you haven’t visited a chiropractor for 90 days of more, now would be a great time to continue your great health progress. Call (425) 670-2600 to schedule. We don’t bite, I swear. Call us. We’ll see you soon!

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore – Back To Action Chiropractic