Spinal Screenings in St. Charles, MO
Sometimes all that stands between daily pain and a happier, healthier you is a properly aligned spine. Your body naturally wants to be aligned, but everyday activities can throw it out of balance. At ADIO Family Chiropractic, Dr. Dave Wallace offers spinal and posture screenings that reveal critical health information so we can identify problems early and help you feel your best.
What Is a Spinal Screening?
A spinal screening is a focused evaluation of your spine, posture, and balance. It helps us find misalignments, muscle imbalances, and postural changes that may be affecting your nervous system, often before they cause significant pain. Screenings are valuable for adults with ongoing discomfort, for anyone wanting preventive care, and for children during growth spurts.
What We Check
- Posture from the front, back, and side
- Balance and weight distribution on bilateral scales
- Spinal alignment and joint motion through gentle palpation
- Shoulder and hip height for signs of scoliosis
- Areas of tension, tenderness, or restricted movement
When needed, X-rays provide a closer look at your alignment, as described on our What to Expect page.
Understanding Your Spine
Your spinal column has five regions: the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid back), lumbar spine (lower back), sacrum (pelvis), and coccyx (tailbone). It is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae. Between the vertebrae are padded intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers, and many spinal nerves branch out along the spinal column to send messages throughout the body. Misalignment of the vertebrae is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care.
After Your Screening
If your screening reveals issues with your spine or joints, Dr. Dave will recommend specific, gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore range of motion and relieve chronic pain. Over time, we can also help you improve your posture, which is essential for spinal health. Your plan may include corrective exercises, physiotherapy, and lifestyle advice.
Screenings Help With Many Conditions
Spinal screenings help uncover the root cause of back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and posture-related pain. For kids, screenings are an important part of our pediatric chiropractic care.
Spinal Screening FAQs
What happens during a spinal screening?
We evaluate your posture, balance, spinal alignment, and joint motion to identify misalignments and imbalances that may affect your health.
Does a spinal screening hurt?
No. Screenings are non-invasive and involve visual posture checks, balance testing, and gentle palpation.
Who should get a spinal screening?
Anyone with pain, stiffness, or poor posture can benefit, as well as children during growth spurts and adults who want preventive care.
Can a screening detect scoliosis?
A screening can reveal signs of scoliosis, such as uneven shoulders or hips. X-rays may be recommended to confirm and measure a curve.
How many bones are in the spine?
The spine has 33 vertebrae divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.
Will I need X-rays?
Not always. X-rays are recommended when your history or screening results suggest a closer look is needed.
What happens if problems are found?
Dr. Dave will explain the findings and recommend gentle adjustments and supportive care to restore alignment and improve posture.
Schedule Your Spinal Screening
We can help you achieve balance and proper alignment, giving you relief and improving your health. Call ADIO Family Chiropractic at (636) 498-2346 to schedule your screening.