Subluxation is a term used to describe a misalignment or functional problem with a spinal joint that affects associated joints, muscles, tendons and nerves. Think of it like a kink in a garden hose blocking the water from flowing naturally. Chiropractors are nervous system and musculoskeletal experts whose safe, effective and non-invasive care for all ages and ranges of function provides patients with pain relief, correction and prevention of future ailments.

Ramifications of Subluxation
 

1. The most obvious ramification is localized inflammation at the joints and at the nerve root at the level of the subluxation, resulting in pain and/or other symptoms.
    

2. The second ramification is an aberrant change in the biomechanics at the level of subluxation resulting in accelerated wear and tear, degenerative changes or an accelerated aging of the spine at the level of subluxation.
    

3. The third ramification is interference to the communication from the brain to the tissue innervated at the level of subluxation (brain messages to tissues are blocked). This results in a decrease in function of that tissue, predisposing the tissue to dysfunction down the road.
    

4. Where there are multiple misalignments there will be multiple tissue levels functioning at less then optimal levels resulting in an overall poor posture and biomechanics, lowered support of internal health, predisposing the body to dysfunction and other related health concerns.

Benefits of a Chiropractic Adjustment

1. The first benefit of the adjustment is by correcting subluxation (misalignment) in the body stops the inflammatory processes at the joints and at the nerve root at the level of the subluxation. The result is the symptoms, such as pain, goes away!
    

2. Secondly the adjustment corrects the biomechanics, increases the mobility of the joints thus decreasing the accelerated wear and tear, degenerative changes or accelerated aging of the spine.
    

3. The third and perhaps the most important benefit of the adjustment is by correcting the subluxation the communication between the brain and the tissue is improved resulting in optimum function and an optimum chance for health and longevity of that tissue thus preventing dysfunction down the road.
    

4. Finally by correcting multiple subluxations the adjustment stimulates the nervous system in multiple areas of the body which results in a better overall posture and biomechanics, while supporting internal health thus giving the body the best chance for optimal health, function and longevity.

Subluxation is a term used to describe a misalignment or problem with a spinal joint. The World Health Organization defines a vertebral subluxation as a functional problem related to a joint and the structures associated with the joint such as the muscles, tendons and nerves.

The three main stressors that result in a subluxation are physical, chemical and emotional and can be caused by:
 

• poor work, driving, or sleep posture

• genetics or degenerative conditions

• repetitive strain and physical activities or previous injuries

• lack of muscle tone, excess weight and other lifestyle factors such as stress and diet

We need to address all of these components in order to get optimal results.

Dysfunction can present itself in various ways such as pain, inflammation and restricted movement of the joint. Some types of dysfunction, such as a

sprain, strain or muscle injury, will not appear on an x-ray. Chiropractors are trained to identify dysfunction that does not appear on imaging through the use of manual examination an palpation, objective tests and non-imaging diagnostic tests. There are many safe techniques and alternatives available for treating various conditions.

A Chiropractic adjustment (re-alignment) is a highly-skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to the vertebrae of the spine or other joints of the body. An adjustment corrects the subluxated or rotated joint (misalignment) to restore proper movement to improve its function. When a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape which may cause a popping noise ("cavitation"), similar to when you crack your knuckles. Gentle Chiropractic adjustments can provide instant pain relief and regular treatment can correct various health conditions over time.

Depending on the nature of the problem, as part of your treatment plan you may also require soft tissue or muscle release techniques such as Active Release Therapy (ART) or Graston (see here or below), muscle stimulation like post-isometric relaxation and therapeutic exercises or stretches at home for an ongoing period of time in order to relieve your pain and improve overall function and mobility. Patient adherence to their prescribed treatment plan and homecare recommendations may accelerate healing and graduation from relief, to correction, to wellness maintenance timeline at an accelerated rate as well.