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What is a Subluxation?
Subluxation is a term used to describe what happens when one or several of the spinal vertebrae of the spine moves out of it's normal position. The word subluxation is derived from the Latin words meaning somewhat or slightly (sub) and to dislocate (luxate). When this happens, the misaligned vertebra creates pressure and stress on the spinal nerves, shock absorbing discs, blood vessels, and surrounding muscles. This pressure and stress can cause an imbalance in the body's normal processes as the nerves in the spinal column extend to the entire body and its organs. As time goes on and subluxations are not detected or corrected, damage to the nerves, discs and surrounding tissues worsens. This progression may set off a secondary condition known as Degenerative Disc Disease (Osteoarthritis). This condition, if left unattended to, will worsen to end stages that can become crippling.
Subluxations can occur in a number of ways: car accidents, slips and falls, sudden jar or trauma and the birthing process are all examples of unique instances that may cause a subluxation. Other occurrences of subluxation may come in the form of: improper sleeping positions, poor posture, poor working conditions, environmental toxins, drugs and alcohol abuse and incorrect lifting processes.
Chiropractors are specialists in correcting subluxation and other misalignments. A chiropractor can restore the misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column. They do this manually by using the chiropractic procedure known as spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor, in most cases, will use his or her hands in applying corrective pressure to the spine in a specific direction and location. The manual force or thrust helps restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. In some cases, the chiropractor may use instruments to detect a subluxation and adjust the spine. Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of trauma, such as car accident, some discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. It is also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve root.
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