FAQ

The word “subluxation” comes from the Latin words meaning, “to dislocate” (luxare) and “somewhat or slightly” (sub). A subluxation means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the spine).

The spine is a delicate structure, subject to malformation and misalignment, due to things such as an injury, abuse (physical, chemical or emotional) or disease.

These misalignments may irritate nerve roots, tension the spinal cord, and also irritate 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.

Slips, falls, motor vehicle accidents, work related injuries, sporting injuries, the birth process for both mother and child, or sometimes an inherited spinal weakness can displace a vertebra resulting in Subluxation.

Other causes include improper sleeping conditions or habits, poor posture, occupational hazards, incorrect lifting practices, obesity, lack of rest and exercise, and stress.

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.

Occasionally, a patient may experience a similar type of soreness that they feel after a gym session, as the muscles and ligaments react to the new postural alignment associated with corrective care.

This occurs as the patient may have been in an abnormal posture for many months or even years. Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless.

In cases of recent trauma, such as whiplash, mild discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation.

Regular chiropractic care may be necessary to correct spinal subluxations to help maintain sound health and fitness.

This is true especially when undergoing Chiropractic Corrective Care, as regular care helps the body to “remember” the new correct posture, and to also rehabilitate weakened muscles and ligaments.

Maintenance Care is always recommended after Chiropractic Corrective Care has been completed.

This is because 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.

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.

Chiropractic adjustments by themselves do not actually heal the body. When any of the 24 moveable 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.

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.

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.

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, and 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.

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.