We all know that one person who is strangely flexible and can bend their fingers all the way back.
But did you know that being able to bend them back a certain length could signify a health issue?
A chiropractor in Colorado has issued a warning about hypermobility, explaining that it could signify that the connective tissues in other areas of the body are weak.
Connective tissue is a term used to describe different types of tissue that essentially hold your body together.
Advert
It is widespread around your entire body and is essential in maintaining structure.
Dr Taylor Goldberg has explained that it's particularly important in the lungs and 'can affect breathing mechanics and airway stability' if it becomes too weak.
This can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma and sleep apnea.
However, hypermobility is only an issue if a person is symptomatic.
Advert
"Hypermobility is the ability to move your joints beyond what is considered a normal range of motion for an average person," Jeannie Di Bon, hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome specialist, told Newsweek.
"Just because you're hypermobile, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your connective tissue, it doesn't mean you've got a syndrome, but it can become symptomatic through a trauma.
"All of a sudden, hypermobility that wasn't really bothering you suddenly becomes very problematic, often overnight for some people."
If a person has symptomatic hypermobility, they may be investigated to see if they have a connective tissue disorder.
Advert
The Beighton Score aims to measure joint hypermobility and involves a series of manoeuvres.
Cleveland Clinic explains that the score uses a nine-point scale, with patients receiving one point if they can do the following:
- Bend forward and place hands flat on the floor without bending the knees
- Straighten elbows past a neutral position
- Straighten knees past a neutral position
- Bend your pink fingers back beyond a 90-degree position
- Bend your thumb back to touch your forearms
A second part of the assessment involves questions about medical history, including whether you could ever do the splits, or if you are 'double jointed'.
Advert
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is one condition that affects the connective tissues.
Symptoms can include hypermobility, stretchy skin and fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily.
For some people, EDS can be mild, but for others the side effects are disabling and in rare cases, life-threatening.
It is believed that EDS is caused by faults in certain genes inherited from parents.
Lucy Devine