What causes a subluxation?
A fall, injury,
sudden jar, trauma, or sometimes an inherited spinal weakness can displace a vertebra. Other causes
include improper sleeping conditions or habits, poor posture, occupational hazards, incorrect lifting
practices, obesity, lack of rest and exercise, and stress. The word "subluxation" comes from the
Latin words meaning "to dislocate" (luxate) and "somewhat or slightly" (sub). A subluxation means a
slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the
spine). These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and blood vessels which branch off from the
spinal cord between each of the vertebrae. This irritation may cause pain and dysfunction in muscle,
lymphatic and organ tissue as well as imbalance in the normal body processes.
How is a subluxation corrected?
Doctors of
Chiropractic are specialists in neuromusculoskeletal conditions. They are trained to restore the
misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column. They do this manually, utilizing
the chiropractic procedure known as "spinal adjustment." Your chiropractor, in most cases, will use
his or her hands in applying corrective pressure to the spine in a specific direction and location.
The manual force or thrust helps restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. In some cases,
the chiropractor may use instrumentation to detect subluxations and adjust the spine.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Under normal
circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of recent trauma, such as whiplash,
mild 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.
Is regular chiropractic care
necessary?
Regular chiropractic care may be necessary to correct spinal subluxations to
help maintain sound health and fitness. Your spine is under constant strain during waking hours.
Improper lifting techniques, poor posture, accidents, falls and bumps, and other causes can
contribute to spinal strain. Timely adjustments can help restore the neuromusculoskeletal integrity
of the spine to normalize the bodily equilibrium and increase resistance.
How old should a person be before he or she begins
chiropractic care?
Chiropractic patients range in years from birth to old age. Regardless
of age, the vertebrae can become misaligned. For example, the birth process may cause trauma to the
neck and spine. Left uncorrected, the vertebral subluxation may disturb the delicate spinal cord and
nerves which control the youngster's muscles and organs. In some cases, an uncorrected subluxation
may lead to a deformity of the spinal column. An early chiropractic checkup may detect many spinal
problems while they are still easily correctable.
How will the adjustment help me?
Chiropractic
adjustments by themselves do not actually heal the body. When any of the 24 moveable spinal vertebrae
become misaligned, a basic imbalance or disruption can occur in the nervous and blood vascular
systems, which may contribute to stress in the body. Chiropractic adjustments help eliminate that
imbalance or disruption so that the body can function at its true potential.
Does an adjustment have to make a noise to be
effective?
No, it is a common misconception that your joints must make a noise to be
properly adjusted. However, more often than not when your vertebrae are adjusted, the smooth
articular (joint) surfaces become separated, creating and then releasing a small vacuum, making a
noise. This is the sound made when you crack your knuckles. Your chiropractor is concerned with the
position of your vertebrae, not with the noise that may occur.
Should I go to a Chiropractor if I feel
fine?
Even if you feel fine, chiropractic care can help your body maintain its required
level of health and fitness. Your chiropractor can recommend a preventive spinal-care program and
advise you on correct posture, dietary information and back exercises. Regular spinal checkups can
help detect and prevent spinal stress due to subluxations.
Is it true that Chiropractors do not prescribe medication
or perform surgery?
Yes. Chiropractors do not include medication or surgery in their
treatment program. Chiropractors maintain that the body has a built-in capacity to restore health
within certain limits, and base their care on this principle. Occasionally, the use of medication can
interfere with the body's healing mechanisms, produce side effects, create a dependence and lead to
drug-caused disease or complications. The first response in most illnesses and injuries should be
conservative care. Chiropractic's principles make it possibly the safest and most appealing of the
healing arts.
How does chiropractic care help the pregnant
woman?
Because of the additional weight and stress on the framework of
the body in pregnant women, chiropractic adjustments can help lower the incidence of pain in the low
back and legs, and between the shoulder blades. In some cases, fewer headaches and problems with
nausea and elimination may also result. Many chiropractors care for expectant mothers in the regular
course of their daily practices. It is wise, however, to first inquire about the experience of your
chiropractor in caring for pregnant women and what he or she recommends for you.
What is a
subluxation?