Hilton’s Law states that a nerve that crosses a joint supply that joint as well as the muscles around it.

Even though this seems simple, this can turn into a complex situation for the body. Starting with the basics, we have 31 pairs of spinal nerves. Those nerves travel out of the spine, traverse through the body controlling and coordinating ALL actions the body requires. If someone has a shoulder that is dysfunctional, which is wildly common in our sucky-posture culture, how can we be sure it’s the actual shoulder as the culprit? This is where the Doctor must have great discernment to best help the patient. 95% of shoulder problems (chronic and not related to trauma) with limited mobility and joint fixation come from a lack of nerve flow from the neck – Hilton’s Law. The same exact findings can be said about carpal tunnel syndrome, often known as “double crush syndrome,” because the nerves are being compressed or crushed in the neck! The same can be said about the joints ‘below the belt’ from the lower back.

The nerves that cross a joint also coordinate the muscles surrounding the joint. You can massage a tight/spasm muscle until the cow comes home… but you must also supply those muscles with adequate nerve function for optimal results. Thus, Hilton's Law in Coeur d'Alene ID becomes a bit more complex so hang on.

How Dysfunction Leads to Systemic Stress in Coeur d'Alene ID

When a joint is messed up, this leads to decreased proprioception to the brain. Every joint is full of proprioceptors (little signal guys) that send constant messages to the brain. When a joint is not working well, the brain begins to lose sight of how the joint needs to work. This becomes a “stress signal” within the brain and results in an inflammatory response – naturally cortisol (stress hormone) will rise when something is not working well. This chronic stress signal will lead to chronic inflammation in the gut from all the cortisol and result in systemic inflammation. With all this systemic inflammation, the body becomes stuck in a vicious cycle of stress, and health suffers. Hilton’s Law and any joint not moving well over time will result in a cycle of worsening health.

There is hope though! When a joint is moved well and precisely, nerve irritation is restored. The brain begins to change with accurate information and resolution in healing begins. The body WANTS to trend towards health. Get adjusted often and your brain will reap the reward.