What is a subluxation?

This is a question on the minds of many our chiropractic clients even though subluxations are the main reason that patients seek care from a chiropractor.

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But what exactly is a subluxation?

A subluxation happens when one or more of the bones in your spine (spinal vertebrae) move out of position. This misalignment creates pressure on the spinal nerves, or the nerves found in between each bone in your spine. This pressure results in irritation of the nerves, which can cause them to malfunction and interfere with nerve signals, which can affect many parts of the body.

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Vertebral Subluxation Complex

Chiropractors see subluxations as a process, known as the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC), rather than a one-time affliction.

There are five different parts to subluxation that affect your body at the same time:

• Bone - the vertebrae are mis-aligned or not moving properly
• Nerve - the spinal nerves are malfunctioning
• Muscle - the muscles help hold vertebrae in place and nerves control the muscles
• Soft Tissue - the pressure on the nerves results in changes to the soft tissues surrounding the vertebrae
• Chemical - when the other components act on the body, this causes some chemical changes

Due to all of these different components, subluxations can affect the entire body, not just the spinal vertebrae. If left untreated, subluxations can cause health issues that impair your ability to function normally.

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Causes of Subluxation

There are many things that can cause subluxations. The common causes of VSC include:

• Injuries, such as those that result from a car accident or improper lifting
• Bad posture
• Extreme emotional distress
• Chemical imbalances
• Repetitive movements or long periods of sitting

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Treatment for Subluxations

Instead of merely relieving the symptoms of VSC, it's a chiropractor's job to locate the subluxations and gently realign the spinal vertebrae to restore normal function and motion to the spine. Through careful and focused direct pressure to the spine, chiropractors release the pressure on the spine to reduce or eliminate the VSC.

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Having some health concerns? They could be a result of subluxations. Contact Dr. King at King Chiropractic Hand & Foot in Wilmington to get you on the path to recovery.