|
What is a Subluxation?
Subluxation is a term used in the chiropractic field to describe what happens when one of the vertebrae in your spine moves out of position. The word "subluxation" is derived from the Latin words meaning somewhat or slightly (sub) and to dislocate (luxate). When this happens, the misaligned vertebra creates pressure and stress on the spinal nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding muscles. This pressure and stress can cause an imbalance in the body's normal processes, since the nerves in the spinal column extend to the entire body and its organs. As time goes on and the uncorrected subluxation settles in, the damage to the nerve gets progressively worse and different stages of subluxation degeneration set in.
Subluxations occur in many ways, such as a car accident, fall, sudden jar, or other trauma. Subluxations can also occur from improper activities of daily living, such as bad sleeping positions, poor posture, or incorrect lifting habits.
Chiropractors are specialists in correcting subluxations. A chiropractor can restore the misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column. They do this manually by using the chiropractic procedure known as a spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor, in most cases, will use his or her hands in applying corrective pressure to the spine in a precise location and in a specific direction. The manual force or thrust helps restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. In some cases, the chiropractor may use instruments to detect a subluxation and adjust the spine. Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of trauma, such as car accident, some discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. It is also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve root.
|
