What Is Chiropractic Subluxation? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been researching spinal manipulation, you’ve probably come across the term “subluxation.” What exactly is it, and could you be suffering from a spinal subluxation? 

In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about chiropractic vertebral subluxation and find out when you should visit a chiropractor.

What Is Chiropractic Subluxation?

The nervous system is complex, and minor changes can have serious consequences. One of these changes causes what is known as spinal subluxation, sometimes referred to as a vertebral subluxation complex. This form of joint dysfunction occurs when one or more vertebrae are displaced.

When this happens, the displaced vertebrae may compromise neural integrity and impede the system of nerves (in the spinal cord) that they are meant to protect. Trauma, disease, or strain can all result in spinal subluxation.

Because many spinal nerves influence organ system function and general health, you could experience problems with organs like the liver, gallbladder, stomach, uterus, colon, and kidneys.

Once it has occurred, getting help as soon as possible is crucial. A minor misalignment of just a few vertebrae can cause significant problems if left untreated. 

[Read: How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?]

What Causes Vertebral Subluxation?

The truth is that spinal subluxation is caused by a number of factors. Common reasons include trauma from motor vehicle accidents, incorrect lifting, jolts, falls, or repetitive strain.

The spine can progressively become worn down and develop subluxations due to one or more of the following reasons:

• Prolonged postures (such as sitting all day)
• Repetitive motions typical in the workplace
• Insufficient sleep
• Lack of exercise
• Poor food choices
• Adverse drug effects
• Emotional stress
• Pregnancy

Subluxations can also happen during pregnancy. This is because a newborn’s spine is under tremendous stress during delivery, especially the neck. Spinal injuries suffered at birth have been linked to a number of neurological and physical issues.

Additionally, your body’s homeostasis can be disrupted by toxic compounds ingested through contaminated air, poor diet, and chemical additives, which can also result in muscle spasms and vertebral subluxation.

[Read: 6 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Mothers]

Signs That You Need Spinal Manipulative Therapy

If you’re wondering whether you need chiropractic services, here are a few signs and symptoms of spinal subluxation:

• Vertebral subluxations often result in persistent neck or back pain
• Tension headaches can also cause this condition
• Reduced movement
• Tingling, weakness, or pain in your arms or legs
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Joint stiffness
• Low energy
• Muscle pain, stiffness, weakness, or tenderness

Keep in mind that symptoms will vary depending on the stage of spinal subluxation you are in. If you notice these tell-tale signs, it’s time to consider chiropractic treatments.

How Chiropractors Treat Spinal Subluxation

At this point, you’re probably wondering how a chiropractor can correct subluxations. The answer is that the modern chiropractic curriculum promotes “manipulation” or adjustments for those suffering from vertebral subluxation complex.

Using chiropractic adjustment, our highly skilled chiropractors can correct subluxation.

We gently exert a certain amount of force on displaced joints to restore them to their original position using our hands or a small tool. By doing this, you’ll boost your mobility and enhance the overall health of your nervous system.

Chiropractic adjustment has proved to relieve acute or chronic pain and improve flexibility when used in combination with other treatments, such as pain medication, exercise, and stretches, in the initial stages of spinal subluxation.

However, the longer it is left untreated, the more likely it is that fixing it will involve invasive and costly treatments.

Consult a chiropractor if you experience the signs of spinal subluxation, especially if your physician recommended it after receiving treatment due to a car accident or a traumatic injury.

[Read: Chiropractic Adjustment Benefits: 14 Advantages of Chiropractic Care]

Frequently Asked Questions

In the section below, we take a look at some of the most-asked questions about chiropractic subluxations.

1. Can Chiropractors Fix Subluxation?

During the early stages of subluxation, chiropractic adjustment can help to relieve symptoms and prevent any further harm caused by misaligned vertebrae. However, it may not be effective in the later stages of the disorder, so it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

2. What Does Spinal Subluxation Feel Like?

Subluxations can accompany burning, tingling, pain, or numbness in the affected area.

3. How Is Spinal Subluxation Treated?

A vertebral subluxation is addressed using chiropractic adjustments in conjunction with other treatments, such as pain medications, stretching, and exercises that are recommended by your physician. 

4. How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Chiropractic Treatment?

Most patients experience changes immediately and continue to improve throughout their treatment. It’s essential to remember that one visit with a chiropractor will not fix years of a misaligned spine. 

Your chiropractor will make sure to correct your alignment the right way, and that your mobile function will remain optimal into the future. Make sure to follow any post-procedure instructions and adhere to the next chiropractic adjustment sessions.

Maintain Your Family’s Optimal Health and Mobility Function With Chiropractic Adjustments

A spinal subluxation can have a number of serious implications that could considerably impact your quality of life. However, you can find relief from the pain caused by subluxations with chiropractic adjustments.

Without the use of surgery or drugs, we work with the body’s natural capacity to heal itself. The goal of chiropractic adjustment, apart from joint adjustments targeted at specific disorders, is to help you regain general health and wellness. For more information or to book a consultation, visit Cornerstone Family Chiropractic’s website today!