What Your Handshake Says About You

I received a link to this article (here) in my e-mail over the weekend and, since grip strength is something we’ve measured at Precision Chiropractic for some time, it caught my eye. In the pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle, we often overlook one crucial aspect of our well-being: grip strength.

Emerging research suggests that grip strength may serve as a valuable biomarker for overall health, with intriguing connections to the condition of our cervical spine. The cervical spine, or the neck region, plays a vital role in supporting the upper body and coordinating movements. Not surprisingly, improving cervical spine health can have a positive impact on grip strength, unlocking a multitude of benefits for our physical performance and overall health.

The intricate relationship between grip strength and cervical spine health lies in the nervous system. The cervical spine houses a network of nerves that innervate the upper limbs, including the hands and fingers. Any compression or misalignment in the cervical spine can lead to nerve impingement, resulting in reduced nerve signaling and diminished grip strength.

See where I’m going with this? If you didn’t click on the link to the Medscape article above, this list shows some of the potential risks associated with low grip strength:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Depression
• Functional disability
• Osteoporosis
• Premature death from any cause

Every single day we are testing and retesting grip strength. In the vast majority of our patients, we are seeing improvements in grip strength following an initial phase of care. Does a healthier neck translate into improved nerve conduction and better grip strength (and subsequently avoiding the negative outcomes associated with low grip strength)? The research seems to point in that direction and it’s something we’ve witnessed firsthand.

Get your neck checked. Not only will you be able to get that stubborn jar open easier, but your overall health can stand to benefit as well.

Yours in good health,
Dr. Jane