Vertebral Subluxation: How It Is Treated with Chiropractic

Subluxation occurs when the position of the vertebra of the spine is altered. The function is lost and nerves in the area can become injured or permanently damaged. This impairment can result in several different symptoms and conditions. Chiropractic services can help to treat the condition and relieve pain and suffering.

When the position of the vertebra is altered, several things can occur. Disturbances within the physiological and biochemical systems can affect the entire length of the spinal column as well as the nerves that travel throughout the body. Subluxation is not considered to be a static condition. Instead, chiropractors believe it is a process that will continually worsen over time, increasing symptoms and continuing to damage nerves and bones.

A few of the most common issues associated with subluxation include:

liAtrophy – A hardening of muscle tissue that cause it to shrink and waste away.
• Local Ischemia – Refers to localized pain that is caused from a reduction in blood flow to the area.
• Edema – Fluid build-up in tissues caused by collapsed capillaries that allow leakage into the tissues.
• Congestion – The accumulation of toxins and debris that occurs in affected joints and irritates nerves in the area.
• Fibrosis – The build-up of scar tissue in an affected area that irritates both muscle and nerves, commonly occurring in individuals who experience chronic back pain.
• Tissue Rigidity – Tissues begin to harden and become rigid, normally associated with tendons, ligaments and other tissues within the joint capsule and surrounding areas.

Doctors that offer chiropractic services treat subluxations of the vertebra in many ways, relieving the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Correcting the alteration that forced the vertebra out of alignment relieves pressure on the nerves and helps to re-establish blood flow to the affected area.