What is a Vertebral Subluxation?

Vertebral Subluxation is when a vertebra has lost its normal position in relation to the vertebra on either side. When a vertebra does not function properly within the spinal framework there is mechanical stress that accelerates wear and tear of the surrounding spinal muscles, ligaments, discs, joints and other spinal tissues. Other symptoms may follow including: pain, tenderness, inflammation, decreased spinal mobility and muscle spasm.

Because of the direct mechanical and physiological relationship between the spinal column and the spinal nerve roots, vertebral subluxations, as well as other spinal abnormalities, have the potential to impair proper nerve functioning.Once nerve functioning is compromised, communication within the body becomes less effective jeopardising the overall health and wellness of the individual.

Subluxations can have a variety of different causes which will usually fall into one of three Categories.

Mechanical causes include trauma or injury, repetitive motions, poor posture, improper workplace set up or imbalanced muscles around the spine.
Chemical causes include poor dietary and nutritional practices, drug and alcohol use and abuse, and the ingestion of chemical toxins in the foods we eat, air we breath, and water we drink. Chemicals which are harmful to the body decrease the body’s ability to function optimally and reduce the ability to successfully adapt to and withstand internal and external stresses – making us more susceptible to spinal subluxations and the consequences of these subluxations
Emotional causes refer to stress. Excessive stress or inadequate stress management skills can deplete the body of the ability to sustain normal functions. The impact of emotional stress on physical health is well documented in the medical research and can have devastating effects on the immune system, making the body susceptible to injury and disease.
The only accurate way to determine if you suffer from subluxations is to receive a chiropractic evaluation. However, some indicators are pain, swelling or stiffness in joints, tightness and weakness in muscles, reduced mobility, numbness and tingling, to name a few. That being said, feeling pain-free does not mean you are subluxation-free. It’s important to have regular check ups, regardless of pain, to identify and correct subluxations before they can have a negative effect on your overall health.

To book in with one of our fully qualified and experienced chiropractors call us on (07) 3369 0110.