The Chiropractic Subluxation: What Is It?

The term subluxation is usually new to most people. It's not a word you hear very often unless you see a chiropractor. Subluxation, in chiropractic terms, refers to a joint that has become fixated or "stuck" and mispositioned, essentially losing its normal biomechanical function which simply means it doesn't move like it is supposed to. This can occur in nearly all of the joints in the body and likewise treated in nearly all of the joints in the body. In the spine, a subluxated vertebra can create interference with nerve function. This is caused not so much by "pinching" or compressing the nerve, although that is one aspect of it, but more through stretching, pulling and rubbing on the nerve that is associated with the subluxated vertebra. When a joint is not moving normally and functioning correctly, it can cause a dis-relationship between it and the nerves passing through and around it. This may create irritation of the nerve which causes inflammation which leads to pain and decreased function of whatever part of the body, whether it be organs, muscles or other tissues, it supplies. A specific chiropractic adjustment is meant to correct this problem, restoring the normal biomechanical function or movement of the vertebra and joint thus relieving any irritation of the nerve. This in turn helps relieve pain and allows the nerve supply to areas of the body function properly.

So can a subluxation really cause that many problems? The most common reason people see chiropractors is for relief of their pain. And, granted, that is the most subjective outcome that patients see. However, correcting the subluxation that is interfering with the nerve that is causing the pain is also restoring a vital function of your body, nerve transmission. Without getting into the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, it is easily the most essential system in your body. It is, in essence, your wiring that controls and coordinates every single thing happening inside you right now. So when it's not working properly, it is inherently going to effect how your body functions. In 1921, a medical doctor by the name of Henry Winsor decided to study the relationship between organs and their nerve supply, particularly where it originated from the spinal cord. He did several autopsies and found that there was an overwhelming correlation between diseased organs and 'minor curvatures' in the spine where the nerves associated with those organs originated. If an organ is left with inadequate nerve supply it will not be able to function at its normal capacity. Other studies have found that just 8-10mm of pressure, about the weight of a dime, can reduce nerve transmission. A subluxation is much more than just a "bone out of place", it is a truly substantial problem that is often seen simply as an aggravation.

Most chiropractors have a true passion for what they do and desire to help as many people as they can. This usually comes in the form of getting patients out of pain but most also want to help their patients live a healthy life. By restoring the normal biomechanical function of your spine, chiropractors are not only alleviating pain but also allowing your body to function properly and as a whole. This creates an optimal state and opportunity in your body for it to do its job and heal itself as it was meant to do. Correcting subluxations is one step closer to restoring and preserving your health.