Subluxation is a term used primarily by chiropractors to discuss a condition of misalignment in the spine. It is a condition that many chiropractors believe can result in the failure of one or more internal organs due to a lack of contact with the nervous system. It can also be used to describe the more common conditions associated with dislocated joints.
Identification
Subluxation is a term commonly used to refer to a condition in the spine where the bones that make up the spine are out of alignment, and they begin to put pressure on the nerves that lead out of the spinal chord and are headed to the rest of the body. This is a condition commonly treated by chiropractic care, and a professional re-alignment of the spine. Without correcting the problem, chiropractors assert that the nerves are not able to function properly and important information being sent to and received from various parts of the body could be lost causing a malfunction of the body organs.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex
There are several areas of the spine affected by subluxation, and because of this subluxation is sometimes also referred to as vertebral subluxation complex. The main parts of this complex are the bones in the spine causing the problem, the weakened muscles that are supposed to hold the spinal bones in place, the nerves in the spinal column affected by the change, the tendons and blood vessels that are being changed by the movement of the spine and the chemical changes that can occur in the body because the damage to the nerves is potentially causing an unnatural release of hormones.
Organ Failure
It is possible for internal organs suffering from a lack of proper nerve information due to subluxation to malfunction. In some cases, these malfunctioning organs can develop into a severe medical emergency and could even result in death. Because the subluxation is preventing information from reaching the brain, it is difficult for the body to know what organs are being affected until it may be too late.
Treatment
One of the treatments available for vertebral subluxation complex is a spinal adjustment by a certified chiropractor. Many people experiencing back pains, or symptoms more typical to a pinched nerve, have been able to be treated for vertebral subluxation by a chiropractor.
Dislocation
Subluxation is also sometimes used to describe a dislocated joint such as a knee, elbow, hip, foot, ribs or ankle. In some cases this is also referred to as a slipped joint.
Expert Insight
According to Dr. Samuel Homola, vertebral subluxations are potentially the creation of the chiropractic community. Dr. Homola writes that slight adjustments to the bones in the spine will more than likely not cause the significant damage that chiropractors claim they will cause. Dr. Homola even suggests that most spinal manipulations, as many as 88 percent, may be unnecessary and dangerous.
Tags: also referred, bones spine, internal organs, some cases, subluxation complex, Subluxation term