What is a Subluxation?

What is a vertebral subluxation?

During a chiropractic visit in my office you may hear me refer to your spine as subluxated or tell you that you have a subluxation. What does that mean?

Subluxated vertebrae are the vertebrae I want to fix. You might refer to them as the bone that’s out of place, where your back went out, where it’s stuck or something similar to that. Chiropractors might use the term misalignment, fixation, joint dysfunction, or subluxation.

Subluxations are usually tender to the touch, painful with certain movements and associated with tight muscles. In fact, it’s these tight muscles that tend to cause the vertebrae to become subluxated. Tenderness, tight muscles and a decrease in the mobility of the spine are typical of subluxations.

What’s unique about vertebral subluxations?

Well, compared to subluxations of other joints it is the relationship with the nervous system. At each spinal segment where two vertebrae meet there is an opening. From that opening come spinal nerves that come and go between your brain and every gland, tissue, organ and cell in your body sending and receiving messages.

Interruptions in this communication can lead to impaired health and well-being. Researchers have been studying this relationship for decades. In future posts we will discuss how vertebral subluxations can impact your health. Call our Northfield office for an appointment or consultation today.