The Subluxation . . . . The What???!!!

Alot of you have probably heard a chiropractor talk about "The Subluxation".  Some of you maybe unsure what is it that the adjustments do or why we adjust you?

So I thought this might be a good time to talk about "The Subluxation"

what truly differentiates doctors of chiropractic from other health care professionals is the fact that chiropractors are the only professional who are trained to diagnose and treat what are called spinal subluxations.

The word "subluxation" comes from the Latin words meaning "somewhat or slight (sub) and "to dislocate" (luxate). The term 'vertebral subluxation' literally means a slight dislocation or misalignment of the bones in the spine.

Chiropractors locate and correct the misaligned bone and allow it to return to its proper position and function.  This procedure is appropriately called an adjustment and it enables the body to heal.  The chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpuse of correcting is position and movement.

Adjustments are often accompanied by an audible release or "crack" which is a byproduct of the pressure changes accruing at a rapid rate in the joint capsules.  As the pressure changes, nitrogen in the joint capsule fluid changes from a liquid state into a gas state.  This rapid change produces the audible "crack" which often shocks people a little bit the first times they get adjusted, but the sensation is usually relieving.  Occasionally, minor discomfort is experienced, especially if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic procedure.

There are times when the audible "cracking" does not occur.  This is often due to either significant muscle tightness or the patient my be having a difficult time relaxing during their adjustments.  Even though nothing is heard, the chiropractic adjustment still helped return the segment to its correct position and return function to it and the corresponding nerve.  To keep the nerves functioning properly, several adjustments over a course of time may be necessary, in addition to massage, physical therapy, stretching exercises, or strengthening exercises.  In the chiropractic world, keeping the problem fixed and preventing it from reoccurring is just as important as the initial remedy.

There are 5 components that contribute to the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC)

1. Bone Component - where the vertebra is either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing degeneration.  This frequently leads to a narrowing of the spaces between the bones through which the nerves pass; often resulting in irritation or impingement of the nerve itself.
2. Nervous Component - disruption of normal energy flow along the nerve fibers, causing the messages traveling along the nerves to become distorted.  This results in dysfunction of the tissues or organs fed by the insulted nerve.  Receiving distorted signals keeps proper function from happening and over time can lead to major symptoms and conditions, such as peptic ulcers, constipation, asthma, headaches, etc....
3. Muscular Component - since nerves control the muscles that help hold the vertebrae in place, muscles have to be considered to be an integral part of the vertebral subluxation complex.  In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the VSC.  A subluxation can irritate a nerve, the irritated nerve can cause muscle to spasm, which then pulls the attached vertebrae further out of place,  which then further irritates the nerve and you have a vicious cycle. 
4. Soft Tissue Component - surrounding tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues as the misaligned vertebrae tug and squeeze the connective tissue with tremendous force.  Over time, the soft tissues can become stretched our or scarred, leaving the spine with either a permanent instability or restriction.
5. Chemical Component - there are body chemical changes that occur during a VSC.  Most often, the chemical changes, such as the release of a class of chemicals called "kinins," are pro-inflammatory; meaning that they increase inflammation in the affected area.  

These changes get progressively worse over time if they are not treated correctly, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, arthritis, muscle trigger points, the formation of bone spurs, loss of movement, as well as muscle weakness and spasm.  In order to truly be healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference from subluxations.  Chiropractors are the only health care professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of vertebral subluxations through chiropractic care.