Vertebral subluxation is a chiropractic term that is used by chiropractors to describe a myriad of signs and symptoms that are thought to occur as a result of a misaligned or dysfunctional spinal segment. |
There are 5 components of a subluxation: spinal kinesiopathology (abnormal motion for the joint complex); neuropathophysiology/neuropathology (altered nerve flow); myopathology (abnormal muscle function); histopathology (changes at the cellular level) and pathophysiology/pathology (changes in organ function). |
When there is a subluxation, the joint often remains moveable, but its normal biomechanics has been altered. More important is the interference that subluxation causes to the nervous system and the dis-ease which can occur in cells and organs. This can lead to disease over time. |
During a chiropractic physical examination, our chiropractors use numerous methods to detect subluxations. These include x-ray findings, range of motion abnormalities, pain and tenderness, asymmetry or misalignment, muscle/tissue tone differences, muscle testing and Applied Kinesiology. |
Chiropractors believe that vertebral subluxations can negatively affect general health due to the interference to the nervous system, which supplies every cell of the body. Although there may not always be symptoms present, the chiropractor will often adjust the segment. This helps to prevent symptoms by normalising nerve communication from the brain to the cells. |
The founder of Chiropractic, D.D. Palmer describes subluxation as:
"Physiologists divide nerve-fibers, which form the nerves, into two classes, afferent and efferent. Impressions are made on the peripheral afferent fiber-endings; these create sensations which are transmitted to the center of the nervous system. Efferent nerve-fibers carry impulses out from the center to their endings. Most of these go to muscles and are therefore called motor impulses; some are secretory and enter glands; a portion are inhibitory their function being to restrain secretion. Thus, nerves carry impulses outward and sensations inward. The activity of these nerves, or rather their fibers, may become excited or allayed by impingement, the result being a modification of functionating — too much or not enough action — which is disease."
(Palmer DD (1910)
The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic,
Portland, Oregon: Portland Printing House Company p20). |
| Spinal nerve roots |
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| The formation of the spinal nerve from the dorsal and ventral roots |
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| A spinal nerve with its anterior and posterior roots. |
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Strang, D.C., describes several hypotheses on how a misaligned vertebra may cause interference to the nervous system in his book,
Essential Principles of Chiropractic. (Strang, V. 1984., Essential Principles of Chiropractic Davenport : Palmer College of Chiropractic, OCLC: 12102972) |
In summary, a vertebral subluxation complex is a misalignment with nerve interference resulting. It can be corrected with a chiropractic adjustment to restore optimal nerve function and wellbeing. |
Written by:
Sara Winchester, B.Sc(HM), M(Chiro), Dip (Sports
Chiro), Cert(AK). Cert (Webster) |
