Subluxation

In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves. It is possible to enjoy a stable, pain-free sensation in your joints again! Chiropractic care offers a path to recovery. Make a plan to explore the detection and treatment of a subluxation if something feels “off” in one of your joints.

How does this affect you? Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their innate abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly It is the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to locate subluxations, and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations.

How is subluxation corrected? 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.

DIFFERENT PHASES OF SUBLUXATION DEGENERATION
Phase One Subluxation Degeneration
Phase one subluxation degeneration is seen in subluxations that have been present for up to twenty years. This phase is characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine. In this phase, the normal forward curve is in the neck can be lost. The spine can even develop a reverse curve in the neck. Although overall motion is probably not affected, chiropractic reconstructive care for a phase one subluxation can take from 6 to 18 months. More than 80% of people with phase one subluxation degeneration have no pain. Therefore, if left uncorrected, phase one continues to progress with time until it eventually reaches the next phase.

Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration
Phase two subluxation degeneration is normally seen in subluxations that have been present between 20 and 40 years. This phase has some of the same characteristics of the previous phase including a loss of normal curvature and position as well as an alteration in small motions. In addition, spines with phase two subluxation degeneration often show a reduction in the patient’s range of motion in that area. X-rays of a phase two begin to show calcium changes or buildup at certain levels of the spine. These changes are sometimes called by many names including spurs and arthritis. Disc spaces between the affected vertebrae are noticeably narrower and may appear to be flattening out. Although most people with phase two subluxation degeneration may not exhibit any symptoms, some may start to feel stiff or achy. Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase two ranges from 1.5 years to 2.5 years. Again, if phase two subluxation degeneration is left uncorrected it slowly advances to the next phase.

Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration
Phase three subluxation degeneration is caused by subluxations that have gone untreated for between 40 and 65 years. This phase has all of the attributes of the previous phases, only worse. The curvatures are abnormal, the disc spaces are vastly decreased and changed. Calcium changes on the spine are abundant in this phase. Normally, people in phase three have a restricted range of motion and probably exhibit symptoms of some kind. In phase three the vertebrae show obvious changes and mutations in shape. Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase three ranges from 2.5 years to 3.5 years. This does not mean that at the end of this time that any or all of the calcium changes will be gone. In many instances the body adapts to the presence of the calcium and positive changes can only be measured from a functional standpoint. As before, if phase three subluxation degeneration is left unchecked it slowly advances into the final phase.

Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration
Phase four subluxation degeneration is seen with subluxations that have been raging on uncorrected or altered for over sixty five years. Phase four is a grave condition that will negatively affect the patients longevity and quality of life. The massive amount of neurological damage caused by years of subluxation that have lead to phase four are probably taking a serious toll on this person’s health status. X-rays in phase four show serious severe structural changes. Vertebrae exhibit massive calcium changes, disc spaces appear blurred, and the bones themselves appear fused. In this scenario the patient will have a severe restriction of range of motion in addition to probably a number of other health issues. Reconstruction may not be possible in phase four, but care can be directed to some reduction in subluxation with the goal of improvement in the quality of life remaining. Patients in phase four subluxation degeneration have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope. Many chiropractic patients in phase four report significant improvements in symptoms, conditions, mobility and quality of life.

Let’s break down the common joint subluxations that so many people are unknowingly experiencing!

Spine - A spinal subluxation often occurs following an accident that results in trauma to the spine. The pain that’s felt is often the result of a compressed spinal cord with a nerve injury. The vertebra may also be partially dislocated even though a patient is unaware of any specific injury.

Shoulder - A shoulder subluxation can occur as a result of trauma. It can also be brought on by repetitive motion. That’s one of the reasons why athletes who swim or play tennis often seek adjustments for this condition. In a shoulder subluxation, the ball of your upper arm actually separates partially from your shoulder socket. You have reason to suspect a subluxation if you’re having feelings of pain or looseness in your shoulder. You may also get the sensation that your shoulder is slipping in and out at the joint.

Patella - Common knee pain is often the result of a patellar subluxation. This happens when your kneecap is partially separated from the groove that secures it to the end of your thigh bone. You may have sensations of looseness or separation after an accident or fall. In addition, it’s possible that general “wear and tear” is to blame. A telltale sign of patellar subluxation is a knee that has changed shape.

Elbow - Elbow subluxations often occur after a high-impact fall where you land on your hands. One can also be the result of pulling or tugging. Generally, you’ll still be able to have a range of motion with an elbow subluxation even though you are in pain.

What Causes Subluxations? There are two main causes of subluxations. The first is the impact from an accident. Everything from a car accident to a bad tumble on the pavement can cause joints to partially dislocate. Unfortunately, the subtlety of a subluxation often causes it to remain overlooked during post-accident examinations. The fact that you can often maintain at least some degree of motion in the impacted area makes it even harder to identify this condition. Of course, the pain, discomfort and swelling that often persist with a subluxation can make life difficult.
Subluxations can also occur “spontaneously” even if you haven’t sustained an injury from an accident or fall. Joint weakness can be a culprit. Someone with a medical condition that causes joints to be more flexible is certainly at a higher risk. Pregnant women are also at risk for subluxations during pregnancy because of the way pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments and joints. In addition, people who have performed repetitive motions due to specific sports, exercises or job duties are at risk for subluxations.

What Are Some of the Symptoms of a Subluxation?A subluxation can manifest differently depending on the part of the body where it’s experienced. However, there are some general symptoms that seem to be common. Here’s a look at what you might experience when dealing with a subluxation:

Pain near the impacted joint.
Swelling.
Reduced mobility.
Feelings of instability around a joint.
Balance issues.
Numbness or tingling.
Stiffness.
Altered gait or range of motion.

Pain is sometimes the only symptom. However, it’s possible that symptoms could escalate if a partially dislocated joint is not treated. The goal in treatment is to reduce inflammation, eliminate pain and recover full function.
You can also experience some secondary symptoms that don’t seem immediately connected to your subluxation. For instance, some people actually report anxiety or mood issues when the spine is out of alignment. Headaches are also common. Unfortunately, living “out of balance” due to a subluxation can negatively impact your well-being.

How Do You Treat a Subluxation? Subluxation treatment must be customized to fit the location and intensity of the injury. Targeted chiropractic adjustments can be especially effective for subluxations. An adjustment is a manual technique that applies varying degrees of pressure and positioning to realign the impacted joint. It’s important to have a potential subluxation properly analyzed and located by a licensed chiropractor prior to beginning treatment. In addition to an adjustment, techniques like icing and elevation may be beneficial.
Your chiropractor will instruct you regarding self-care techniques that can be done at home to supplement the effectiveness of an adjustment. These add-on treatments won’t actually do anything to readjust the placement of a dislocated joint. However, they are often effective at reducing inflammation and hastening results. The goal is to get the partially dislocated joint back into proper positioning to reduce pain and further injury. Most subluxations that are caused by the impact will not reoccur. However, it’s possible that subluxations could present again if joint weakness is a problem.

Final Thoughts on Subluxation It’s very common to experience a subluxation following an accident or fall even if no bone injury is present. Many people assume that they are in the clear because they’ve avoided breakages or fractures. However, a subluxation could create severe pain or loss of motion. It’s important to know about subluxations if you’re experiencing pain following an accident that doesn’t seem to have any detectable source point. In addition, it’s important not to simply write off pain that could be stemming from a highly correctable subluxation as “wear and tear” that comes along with the territory of being an active person.

It is possible to enjoy a stable, pain-free sensation in your joints again! Chiropractic care offers a path to recovery. Make a plan to explore the detection and treatment of a subluxation if something feels “off” in one of your joints!

If you are in need of chiropractic care at address subluxation and you are looking to find long-lasting relief, talk with, Dr. John T. Toth, our dedicated chiropractor at Vitality Health Center by calling 651-773-9414.

Vitality Health Center serves patients in White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Gem Lake, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Shoreview, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Pine Springs, Grant and surrounding areas.