Subluxation

Subluxation is a term used to describe the position of one or more vertebrae in your spine. It is derived from the Latin words sub, meaning somewhat or slightly, and luxate, meaning dislocate. The misaligned vertebrae create pressure and stress on the surrounding nerves, blood vessels and surrounding muscles. This causes an imbalance in the body’s normal function because the nerves in the spinal column extend to the whole body and its organs.

Chiropractors correct these spinal malfunctions called vertebral subluxations, which may cause severe pain or be completely painless. The harmful effects of vertebral subluxations are the result of irritation and interference to the nervous system. The nervous system controls and co-ordinates all body parts and its optimum function are essential for good health. Fortunately, good health and the absence of painful symptoms usually go together. However only your chiropractor can tell you if you are free of vertebral subluxations, and associated nerve interference.

There are two types of ways that a subluxation can occur. They can occur through specific instances or regular actions. A car accident, slip and fall, sudden jarring movement, or trauma are all examples of unique instances that may cause a subluxation. The other occurrence of subluxation comes from regular actions using poor body mechanics such as improper sleeping position, poor posture, or incorrect lifting processes.

Chiropractors are specialists in correcting subluxations and other body misalignments. A chiropractor can restore the misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column. They do this manually by using the chiropractic procedure known as a 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 instruments to detect a subluxation and adjust the spine. Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of trauma, such as car accident, some discomfort may be experienced due to post traumatic inflammation. It is also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities or throughout the body immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve root.

There are four phases of subluxations.

Phase one subluxation degeneration is seen in subluxations that have been present for up to twenty years. This phase is characterized by little pain with 80% of patients experiencing no pain at all. A loss or change in the normal curve in the spine occurs in this phase. The normal forward curve is in the neck can also be lost. The spine can even develop a reverse curve in the neck. Overall motion is probably not affected. Chiropractic reconstructive care for a phase one subluxation can take from 6 to 18 months. If left uncorrected, phase one continues to progress with time until it eventually reaches the next phase.

Phase two degeneration is normally seen in subluxations that have been present between 20 and 40 years. This phase has some of the same characteristics of the previous phase including a loss of normal curvature and position as well as an alteration in range of motion. X-rays of a phase two begin to show calcium changes or buildup at certain levels of the spine. These changes are called by many names including bone spurs and arthritis. Disc spaces between the affected vertebrae can be noticeably narrower and may appear to be flattening out. Although many people with phase two subluxation degeneration may not exhibit any symptoms, some may start to feel stiff or achy. Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase two can range from 1.5 years to 2.5 years. Again, if phase two subluxation degeneration is left uncorrected it slowly advances to the next phase.

Phase three degeneration is caused by subluxations that have gone untreated for between 40 and 65 years. This phase has all of the attributes of the previous phases, only worse. The curvatures are abnormal, and the disc spaces are vastly decreased and changed. In addition calcium changes on the spine are abundant in this phase. Normally, people in phase three have a restricted range of motion and probably exhibit symptoms of some kind. In phase three the vertebrae show obvious changes and mutations in shape. The structure and function has been drastically altered. Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase three can range from 2.5 years to 3.5 years. This does not mean that at the end of this time that any or all of the calcium changes will be gone. In many instances the body adapts to the presence of the calcium and positive changes can only be measured from a functional standpoint. As before, if phase three subluxation degeneration is left unchecked it slowly advances into the final phase.

Phase four degeneration is seen with subluxations that have been raging on uncorrected or altered for over sixty five years. Phase four is a grave condition that will negatively affect the patients quality of life. The massive amount of neurological damage caused by years of subluxation that have lead to phase four are probably taking a serious toll on this person's health status. X-rays taken in phase four show serious severe structural changes. Vertebrae exhibit massive calcium changes, the bones themselves appear fused, and the disc spaces appear blurred. In this scenario the patient will have a severe restriction of range of motion in addition to probably a number of other health issues. Reconstruction may not be possible in phase four, but care can be directed to some reduction in subluxation with the goal of improvement in the quality of life remaining. Patients in phase four subluxation degeneration have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope. Many chiropractic patients in phase four report significant improvements in symptoms, conditions, mobility and quality of life.