Subluxation
Subluxation is defined as the altered position of the vertebra, often resulting in pain or loss of function.
Affecting the Nervous System
The nervous system can be negatively affected if proper spinal alignment is altered even slightly between one spinal bone (or vertebra) and another. The area where the spinal nerves exit the spine (the intervertebral foramen) can become narrowed causing pressure, irritation, or stretching of the nerve. Research has shown that very slight pressure can alter the function of a nerve. In addition, when a vertebra loses its normal position, it also loses its ability to move properly. An improperly moving vertebra (or fixed vertebra) has been shown to alter spinal reflexes. A fixed vertebra causes these nerve impulses to become scrambled.
Subluxation & the Body
A properly functioning nervous system allows the entire body to function at its optimum level. Interference to the nervous system interferes with the function of the body. For example, irritating the nerves going to the stomach or intestines will affect the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to these organs. This situation may cause a person to suffer from ulcers, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, or other gastro-intestinal conditions. Many individuals do not realize that the underlying cause of their disease condition may actually be a subluxation.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex
A subluxation and the widespread effects it has on the body are collectively called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. The Vertebral Subluxation Complex is identified by:
- A loss of normal position and movement of a spinal vertebra
- Irritation to delicate nerve tissue
- Muscles that are either tight and spasmed, or weak and atrophied, resulting from structural imbalance and nerve irritation
- Localized inflammation and heat
- Degeneration occurring over time, causing other organs and systems of the body to lose their proper function
Chiropractic & Subluxation
A doctor of chiropractic is the only health care provider trained and experienced at detecting, reducing, correcting and preventing the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Your chiropractor conducts a thorough evaluation of your spine and addresses those specific areas of subluxation. Subluxations interfere with the health of your body. The longer a subluxation has to degenerate, the worse it affects your body’s functions and the more difficult it is to correct. For these reasons, it is important to have periodic spinal checkups.
“Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.” – Hippocrates, “The Father of Medicine”
Sources & References
- San Francisco Chronicles, March 5, 1992.
- Bachman TR, Lantz, CA, Management of a pediatric asthma and enuresis with probable traumatic etiology. Proceedings of the National Conference on Pediatrics and Chiropractic (ICA) 1991, pp.14-22.
- Reed, RR, et al. Chiropractic management of primary nocturnal enuresis. JMPT, 1994, 17(9), 596-600.
Your Subluxation Experts
Using the Gonstead method and the Ring Dinger, Prather Chiropractic can solve your spinal issues. Book your appointment today.