What is a Subluxation?

Subluxation is a term used by chiropractors to describe a the misalignment of a spinal vertebrae in relation to another that puts pressure on a nerve.

The word subluxation is derived from the Latin words meaning somewhat or slightly (sub) and to dislocate (luxate). When this happens, the misaligned vertebrae creates pressure and stress on the spinal nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding muscles. This pressure and stress can cause an imbalance in the body’s normal function as the nerves in the spinal column extend to the entire body and its organs. This is called a state of dis-ease – the body is out of ease and has lost proper function.

As time goes on and the uncorrected subluxation settles, the damage to the nerve gets progressively worse and different stages of spinal degeneration set in. Organs and tissues innervated by that particular nerve become increasingly dysfunctional with time. If left to run its course, this state of dis-ease eventually turns into disease as the damaged tissues degenerate.

Since the nervous system is intimately integrated with every tissue in the body, many parts of the body can be affected by the interference of a single nerve, what more multiple nerves. A host of conditions can arise from the prolonged presence of vertebral subluxations. Common conditions include degenerative joint disease (DJD), herniated discs, headaches, migraines, neck pain, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, low back pain, and sciatica. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains, and strains are other common conditions that respond well to chiropractic care.

However, the scope of conditions that chiropractors provide care for is not limited to the common pains and problems listed above. Chiropractic has also benefited a variety of seemingly unrelated conditions such as allergies, asthma, digestive disorders, vertigo, trigeminal neuralgia, constipation, infant colic, ADHD/ADD, depression, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, infertility, autism, food sensitivities, autoimmune diseases, and many others. Chiropractic has success with a great variety of health conditions simply because the nervous system controls all functions in the body and the primarily focused of chiropractic is on restoring proper nervous system function.

Subluxations can occur in a number of ways. A car accident, athletic injuries, birth trauma, pregnancy, a fall, sudden jar, or other traumas are all examples of unique instances that may cause a subluxation. Other causes come from regular actions such as improper sleeping position, poor posture, incorrect lifting processes, or high levels of stress.

Chiropractors are experts in detecting and correcting subluxations. At Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, we utilize the latest technology and digital imaging to detect the presence of subluxation. We emphasize the importance of superior patient care and every case is taken very seriously. We believe in being thorough, precise, and efficient. Our doctors utilize various tests to detect subluxations in the spine as well as orthopedic, neurological, and medical tests to reinforce their findings. Their methods for correcting subluxations are gentle, safe, and specific to each patient. Read more here.