What Are Subluxations?

Simply put, a subluxation is a misalignment of the vertebrae.

Though the altered position can be just slight, the impact can be profound, as the relationship between the vertebral surfaces and nerves is altered. As the vertebrae move out of position, they create pressure on the spinal nerves. The subsequent functional loss can have far reaching physiological consequences, as the nerve channels have been shut off or redirected. Because your nervous system oversees all body functions, a signal malfunction has the potential to affect all major organ systems within the body.

The components of a vertebral subluxation

Chiropractors recognize five major components to a vertebral subluxation. Each of these components works together to ensure proper functioning.

The osseous, or bone, component represents the misalignment of the vertebrae. In some cases, the bones themselves may be undergoing degeneration. This component may be called kinesiopathology.

The neuropathology component represents nerve malfunctioning.

The histopathology component represents the soft tissues affected around the misaligned vertebrae. These include the ligaments, tendons, and blood supply.

The myopathology component represents the muscles that support the vertebrae.

The biochemical abnormality component represents the chemical changes taking place as a consequence of the alterations taking place due to the other four components. These may include hormonal signals, neurotransmitters, or inflammation-induced signals.

Because all five components are intertwined, often fixing one component will have immediate impacts on other components. Chiropractors recognize the health benefits of a vital, functional nervous system, and understand that all five components need to be in accordance with each other for a body to thrive. A chiropractor’s goal is to restore a body to its highest level of health by correcting the far-reaching misalignments found in vertebral subluxation.

Only a chiropractic examination can detect these issues. And only chiropractic adjustments can reduce their effect to your nervous system, naturally.

Find out if you have any of these issues before they become more serious and more difficult to correct.