The term refers to the presence of spinal misalignment. However, the effects of spinal subluxation on the body can be far from trivial. In the simplest terms, a subluxation is when one or more vertebrae move out of alignment and put pressure on the spinal nerves. Spinal nerves branch off from the spinal cord and travel to different areas of the body after exiting through the vertebrae. Pressure on the nerves can cause interference with the signals traveling through the nerves – leading to a number of health problems.
The chiropractors commonly recognize five categories or components present in the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC).

Spinal Kinesiopathology

Spinal kinesiopathology is where the bones of the spine become stuck, don't move enough, or move too much.

Neuropathophysiology (Abnormal functioning of the nervous system)

Neuropathophysiology is where nerves can become overstimulated, overactive, or irritated by being «pinched» by misaligned vertebrae. Because of the way the vertebrae sit on top of each other to form the spine, abnormalities in the spine can irritate, pinch, rub, or pinch the sensitive spinal cord tissue within the spinal canal and the nerve roots as they exit the vertebrae.

Myopathology (abnormal muscle function)

Myopathology is when overdeveloped muscles or underdeveloped muscles attached to the spine cause individual vertebrae to rotate and lose proper function. When muscle function is reduced, the muscles that support the spine respond in different ways. The spine can weaken or even atrophy.

Histopathology (Abnormal soft tissue function)

Histopathology is the inflammation and swelling that occurs when there are injured discs or soft tissues. The accumulation of blood and lymph causes swelling and an increase in temperature.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology occurs when there is trauma to a joint and the body forms new bone in an attempt to stabilize the area! Over time, calcium deposits build up, eventually forming abnormal bone growth. This arthritic bone spur is also referred to as a bone spur.

Due to the complexity of the nervous system, more research is being conducted in the areas of hormonal involvement, aging, immune system response, and even genetic implications. The spinal subluxation complex may be one of the most common, yet overlooked, sources of health problems.

Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat spinal subluxations. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct spinal subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be experts in correcting subluxations.

Doctors of Chiropractic are the only healthcare professionals who are fully trained in the detection, identification, and correction of spinal subluxations. It takes years of education and clinical practice for a chiropractor to master the analysis and procedures required to understand and correct subluxations.

The information presented on these pages is only a small preview of the scientific and clinical understanding of subluxation. We present these pages simply to provide an initial orientation to the complex phenomena of subluxations. If you have additional questions, please ask us.