 | |  | |  | |  |
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.
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 or
other injuries, mild discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. Sometimes, a brief sensation in the
extremities immediately following an adjustment may occur 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 movable 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.
Is it true that Chiropractors do not prescribe medication or perform surgery?
Yes. Chiropractors do not include medication or surgery in their treatment program. Chiropractors maintain that the
body has a built-in capacity to restore health within certain limits, and base their care on this principle. Occasionally,
the use of medication can interfere with the body's healing mechanisms, produce side effects, create a dependence
and lead to drug-caused disease or complications. The first response in most illnesses and injuries should be
conservative care. Chiropractic's principles make it possibly the safest and most appealing of the healing arts.
How does chiropractic care help the pregnant woman?
Because of the additional weight and stress on the framework of the body in pregnant women, chiropractic
adjustments can help lower the incidence of pain in the low back and legs, and between the shoulder blades. In some
cases, fewer headaches and problems with nausea and elimination may also result. Many chiropractors care for
expectant mothers in the regular course of their daily practices. It is wise, however, to first inquire about the
experience of your chiropractor in caring for pregnant women and what he or she recommends for you.
