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What is a subluxation?
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.
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.
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