What Is Metabolic Dysfunction?

Metabolism isn't just about weight or calories. It's every chemical process that keeps you alive—energy production, hormone balance, inflammation control, tissue repair, immune function.

The shocking truth: Only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy.

Metabolic dysfunction includes:

• Insulin resistance and diabetes
• Chronic inflammation
• Hormonal imbalances
• Obesity (especially belly fat)
• Thyroid problems
• Nutrient absorption issues

And here's what most people don't know: Metabolic dysfunction directly affects your spine, creates inflammation, degeneration, subluxations, and dramatically slows your healing.

HOW METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION SABOTAGES YOUR HEALING

1. CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

• Irritates nerves and creates constant muscle tension
• Pulls spine out of alignment
• Prevents adjustments from holding
• Slows tissue healing
• Accelerates spinal degeneration

2. POOR TISSUE REPAIR

• Insulin resistance means cells can't get fuel for healing
• Damaged tissues don't regenerate properly
• Your body can't maintain corrections we create
• Healing takes 2-3x longer

3. HORMONE IMBALANCES

• Cortisol breaks down muscle that supports your spine
• Thyroid dysfunction slows all healing processes
• Imbalanced hormones increase inflammation

4. NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES

• Even eating well doesn't help if you can't absorb nutrients
• Without proper building blocks, tissues can't repair
• Deficiencies create muscle spasms and weakness

5. EXCESS BODY FAT

• Changes center of gravity and spinal mechanics
• Releases inflammatory chemicals constantly
• Creates ongoing stress on your spine

THE VICIOUS CYCLE

Here's the problem—metabolic dysfunction attacks your spine from TWO directions:

DIRECTION 1: Creates Subluxations

Metabolic dysfunction → Creates inflammation and muscle tension → Pulls spine out of alignment (subluxations) → Nerve interference → Disrupts organ function → WORSENS metabolic function → MORE inflammation → MORE subluxations

DIRECTION 2: Directly Degenerates Spinal Tissues

Metabolic dysfunction → High blood sugar "caramelizes" joint cartilage and discs → Chronic inflammation breaks down tissues → Nutrient deficiencies prevent repair → Oxidative stress accelerates cellular aging → Degenerative arthritis, disc disease, and conditions like DISH (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis) develop.

Without addressing both the spine AND metabolism, patients get stuck in this loop.

SIGNS METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION IS AFFECTING YOUR SPINE

You may have metabolic issues sabotaging your healing if you experience:

• Adjustments don't hold as long as expected
• Slow healing despite consistent care
• Chronic fatigue and low energy
• Weight gain (especially around middle)
• Brain fog
• Poor sleep
• Blood sugar issues or cravings
• Elevated blood pressure or cholesterol
• Pre-diabetes or diabetes diagnosis

If several of these sound familiar, we need to address your metabolic health alongside your spinal care.

We address Metabolic Health Through Functional Medicine.  The first step is with our Cellular Health Audit.  You can learn more here: Functional Medicine