Subluxation

Subluxation n.
Incomplete or partial dislocation of a bone in a joint.
The complex of nerve irritation, muscular changes and functional deficit resulting from such a structural change.
More than a misalignment: an interference to optimum health

Our bodies innately strive to maintain the highest-level health possible in our given environment. Sometimes, however, obstacles are put in our way. The result is diminished health. The role of Chiropractic is to correct one of these major obstacles: the Subluxation.

What parts of the body are involved with Subluxations?

Instructions from the brain are sent to all parts of the body as electrical impulses. These impulses travel along the spinal cord, which subdivides into individual nerve fibers as they exit the spine.
The spinal cord is protected by a “tunnel” made up of the small, interlocking bones of the spine called vertebrae. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord and exit the spine through small openings between adjacent vertebrae. When each vertebra is functioning properly, these nerves pass through without any interference. These nerve fibers that travel between the spinal bones eventually service every cell in the entire body.

Although the spinal column is a sturdy structure, individual vertebrae can become misaligned and interfere with this communication. When that happens, it’s called a Vertebral Subluxation.

How do Subluxations get there?

The causes of Subluxations fall in to three primary categories: physical, emotional and chemical stress.
Activities many of us encounter on a daily basis fall into one of these three criteria. Some examples are as follows:

Physical causes include acute trauma, repetitive motions, poor postural habits, improper workstations, prolonged sitting, lifting heavy objects, playing sports, automobile accidents, and even caring for children.

Chemical causes include poor dietary and nutritional practices, drug & alcohol use, the ingestion of chemical toxins in the foods we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Emotional causes refer to stress. Work stress, relationship stress, travel or commuting stress, school stress, etc. The types of stressors are countless. It is our brains’ inability to deal with these stressors appropriately that causes our body to react to in this way.

What do Subluxations lead to?

It is difficult to predict the exact long-term effect Subluxations have, as the human body is so infinitely complex. Science is able to tell us some of the important things. The most significant impact of a Subluxation is its effect on the nervous system, because any disturbance in the flow of nerve impulses has an adverse affect on our ability to maintain homeostasis.
Over time, nerve interference from a Subluxation may become obvious. We can experience pain, numbness, irregularity, weakness, digestive disturbances or countless other health problems. Although in many circumstance Subluxations can be present without any outward symptoms. This is the most devastating effect of a Subluxation as these “silent” problems never allow an individual to reach their full potential.
If you wait until your body sends out clear signals that there is a problem, it may be too late to completely reverse the effects. It is imperative to remove Subluxations before they have a chance to do major damage or become difficult to correct.
This, not pain, is the reason for regular Chiropractic checkups.

How Are Subluxations Diagnosed?

To understand how a Subluxation is diagnosed we must first understand it’s measurable effects on the body. This is broken down into five components, called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Kinesiopathology: The loss of normal vertebral positioning and/or motion. This creates mechanical stress and joint or vertebral decay.

Myopathology: Pathological changes occurring in the spinal musculature which includes hypertonicity, spasming, fibrosis, weakness and inappropriate functioning.

Neuropathology: Irritation or injury to spinal nerve roots through choking, compression, stretch or chemical irritation from improperly positioned spinal structures, creating nervous system interference and overtime often pain.

Histopathology: Pathological changes which occur to the spinal tissues such as abnormal bony growths on the vertebral bodies and joints, fibrosis and adhesions of spinal muscles and ligaments, as well as dehydration and degeneration or bulging of spinal discs.

Pathophysiology: Describes the biochemical changes taking place in the spinal region which include inflammatory biochemicals from injured tissues and biochemical waste products.

Doctors of Chiropractic are the only professionals trained in the detection and correction of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Chiropractors diagnose Subluxations using various methods detecting some or all of the components listed above. Dr. Siemers may observe or X-ray your spine, gently touch or motion palpate the spine looking for altered position, motion or sensation.

How Can I Tell If I Have A Subluxation?

The only accurate way to determine if you suffer from a Subluxation is to receive a Chiropractic evaluation. However, a number of signs and symptoms are commonly associated with the Vertebral Subluxation including: Pain, tenderness, soreness, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, weakness, balance problems, muscle spasm, reduced spinal mobility, numbness, tingling, low energy, and poor health or healing.
Individuals who are not experiencing pain or other symptoms are not necessarily free of Subluxations. Pain is a poor indicator of disease processes, including the presence of Subluxations. Subluxations are similar to dental cavities; many times a significant amount of damage is present before symptoms or pain is felt.
This is why we recommend, like your dentist, that individuals seek periodic spinal checkups to assess for Subluxations, even in the absence of pain. Periodic well-child checkups are especially important because children often suffer from subluxations yet do not express outward symptoms until much later in life, when these Subluxations will become more difficult to correct.

How Are Subluxations Corrected?

After establishing the presence of a Subluxation, Dr. Siemers will perform a procedure called a Chiropractic adjustment. The adjustment is the key to Chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle. Dr. Siemers applies a specific quick, but gentle force to the Subluxation, allowing the body to unlock the vertebrae from its malposition.

Dr. Siemers employs several different techniques, some delivered manually with his hands others through the use of specialized tables, or tools. Similar to straightening teeth, correcting Subluxations requires time for the surrounding tissues to accept this newly corrected position as normal.
Correcting the Subluxation provides proper alignment to the spine, reduces the five effects of the vertebral Subluxation complex and maximizes nervous system function.