Understanding Spinal Subluxation and Its Treatment

If you've ever experienced persistent back pain or discomfort, you might have heard the term "subluxation" before. But what does it mean, and why should you care? Subluxation is a term often used in chiropractic care to describe a spinal misalignment that can impact your overall health. This article will give you a clear understanding of what subluxation is, its common causes, how it's diagnosed, and what you can do about it.

What is Spinal Subluxation?

Definition of Spinal Subluxation

Spinal subluxation (also known as vertebral subluxation) in chiropractic care is a condition where one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position (misalignment) and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. This misalignment can cause compression or irritation of the nerves and interfere with the signals traveling over them, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. 

Causes of Spinal Subluxation

Spinal subluxations can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from physical trauma like falls, sports injuries or car accidents to everyday habits like poor posture or lifting heavy objects incorrectly. Previous injuries that haven't healed properly and sedentary lifestyles have also been known to contribute to subluxation occurrences.

Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Subluxation

If you're dealing with subluxation, you might notice a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity. These can include back pain, headaches, and even issues like digestive problems or reduced mobility.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Back Pain: Often the most noticeable sign, especially after physical activity.

• Headaches: Tension in the spine can lead to headaches or migraines.

• Reduced Mobility: Difficulty in moving or stiffness can be a red flag.

Diagnosing Spinal Subluxation

Diagnosing spinal subluxation involves a thorough physical examination and assessment of the patient's symptoms and medical history and chiropractors often rely on imaging tests to get a clear picture of what's going on. This allows healthcare providers to accurately identify the location and severity of the subluxation and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. 

• X-rays: X-rays can help chiropractors visualize the alignment of the vertebrae and identify any subluxations or misalignments present in the spine, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment planning for spinal subluxation.

• MRI: In some rare instances your chiropractor may need more detailed images and an MRI can provide additional insights into the condition of your spine and surrounding tissues.

• Physical Examination and Assessment: A physical examination, including an assessment of spinal misalignment, may be conducted to evaluate the range of motion, muscle strength, and any areas of tenderness related to spinal subluxation.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Spinal Subluxation

Chiropractic Adjustments for Spinal Subluxation

The chiropractic approach focuses on the body's inborn ability to heal itself when the nervous system is functioning properly. For spinal subluxations, the chiropractic care involves specific adjustments aimed at realigning the misaligned vertebrae and restoring proper function to the spine. These adjustments can help relieve the pressure on the spinal nerves and allow the bodies' own self-regulatory healing to take place.

Common Treatments

• Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors use their hands or specialized instruments to apply gentle, controlled force to a specific part of the spine often using HVLA or mobilization techniques 

• Physical Therapy: Targeted therapeutic exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles around the spine, supporting better alignment. Often used after sports injuries involving the back.

• Massage Therapy: To complement adjustments, massage therapy can relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Spinal Subluxation

Compared to traditional medical practice using surgery, chiropractic care is a non-invasive approach to fixing spinal subluxation and is effective at reducing pain and restoring mobility without the use of pain medication or invasive procedures. Ongoing chiropractic care can also aid in preventing further degeneration associated with subluxation especially with herniated discs or other diagnosed degeneration.

Prevention and Management of Spinal Subluxation

Exercise and physical therapy can be beneficial in strengthening the muscles supporting the spine, improving posture, and addressing muscle imbalances that may contribute to spinal subluxation. Adopting ergonomic practices, especially when working at a desk, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture can also help prevent spinal subluxation and promote overall spinal cord health. 

Ready to Relieve Your Spinal Discomfort?

If you suspect you're experiencing spinal subluxation or are curious to learn more about its effects and how chiropractic care can help, don't wait. Book a free consultation now with Dr. Michelle Andrews at ChiroHer in Oklahoma City.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Subluxation

Q: What is a vertebral subluxation?

A: A vertebral subluxation occurs when one or more of the vertebrae in the spinal column move out of position and create pressure or irritation on the spinal nerves and/or the soft tissues surrounding it.

Q: What are the symptoms of vertebral subluxation?

A: Symptoms of vertebral subluxation may include pain or discomfort in the affected area, limited range of motion, muscle spasms, and sometimes even tingling or numbness in the limbs.

Q: How is vertebral subluxation diagnosed?

A: A Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to locate vertebral subluxations through a series of physical examinations, posture analysis, and sometimes the use of imaging techniques like X-rays.

Q: What causes vertebral subluxation?

A: Vertebral subluxations can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, improper lifting techniques, repetitive movements, accidents, injuries, and even emotional stress.

Q: How are vertebral subluxations treated?

A: Chiropractors use specific adjustments to correct vertebral subluxations, which involves applying targeted pressure to the affected vertebrae to move them back into their proper position.

Q: What are the risks of untreated vertebral subluxations?

A: Untreated vertebral subluxations may lead to chronic pain, degeneration of the affected spinal segments, muscle atrophy, and potential disruption of nerve messages within the body.

Q: Can vertebral subluxations occur in any part of the spine?

A: Vertebral subluxations can occur in any of the vertebral segments of the spinal column, but they most commonly affect the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back).

Q: How does correcting vertebral subluxations promote overall wellness?

A: Correcting vertebral subluxations is designed to ensure that the nerves in the spinal column are working properly, thereby promoting optimal communication between the brain and the rest of the body for improved overall wellness.

Q: How can you prevent vertebral subluxations?

A: Maintaining good posture, using proper lifting techniques, staying active, and seeking regular chiropractic care can help prevent the occurrence of vertebral subluxations.