DIRECT BILLING | CALL NOW (306) 954-4242
DIRECT BILLING | CALL NOW (306) 954-4242
Understanding Vertebral Subluxations and Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors Detect and Correct Subluxations
Chiropractors are distinct in the healthcare landscape due to their specialized training in diagnosing and treating a condition known as subluxations, or the “Vertebral Subluxation Complex.” At Axis Health Center, located on 8th Street in Saskatoon, we focus on finding and correcting subluxations and their impact on overall health through comprehensive chiropractic and massage therapy treatments. This article explores what subluxations are, their causes, and how they can be corrected, while emphasizing the importance of seeing a Saskatoon chiropractor for effective management.
Don’t Let Subluxations Hold You Back—Contact Us Today!
What Is the Vertebral Subluxation?
The term “vertebral subluxation” refers to a situation where a vertebra in the spine loses its normal position and/or motion relative to adjacent vertebrae. This misalignment creates mechanical stress on the spinal structure, accelerating wear and tear on muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, and other spinal tissues. This dysfunction often leads to pain, inflammation, reduced spinal mobility, and muscle spasms.
Moreover, the spinal column houses the spinal nerve roots, which can be impaired by vertebral subluxations. When nerve interference occurs due to these misalignments, communication between the brain and body is compromised, affecting overall health and wellness.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex Components
Through extensive research, chiropractors have identified the “subluxation complex,” a term describing the five interconnected components of vertebral subluxations:
Kinesiopathology: This refers to the loss of normal vertebral positioning and motion, which disrupts the spinal framework.
Myopathology: This involves pathological changes in the spinal muscles, including spasms, hypertonicity (muscle tightness), weakness, and improper functioning.
Neuropathology: This pertains to irritation or injury to spinal nerve roots, often caused by compression, stretching, or chemical irritation from surrounding spinal structures.
Histopathology: This includes pathological changes to spinal tissues, such as abnormal bone growths, fibrosis, adhesions, and degeneration of spinal discs.
Pathophysiology: This involves biochemical changes in the spinal region, including inflammatory chemicals and waste products from injured tissues.
Understanding these components is crucial for effective treatment and rehabilitation. At Axis Health Center, our Saskatoon chiropractor uses various techniques to address each component and support your healing process. If left uncorrected these subluxations can lead to worsening symptoms such as chronic pain and fibromyalgia. That’s why it’s always important to have your spine regularly adjusted to reduce and correct subluxations before they worsen.
What Causes Subluxations?
Because life is very dynamic and our environments are imperfect, we move around in the world going to work, home, doing errands, playing with family, etc. All this activity leads to built up tension in the spine causing subluxations over time. Subluxations can arise from a variety of causes, which can be categorized into physical, chemical, and emotional factors:
Physical Stress: These include acute trauma (e.g., accidents or injuries), repetitive spinal motions (lifting, sitting, bending), poor posture (sitting at work, sleeping positions), improper workstation ergonomics, and imbalanced spinal and hip muscles, and even having a short leg on one side or scoliosis in the spine. These are the physical elements that cause vertebral subluxations.
Chemical Stress: Poor nutrition, drug and alcohol use, and exposure to environmental toxins can all impair the body’s ability to function optimally, leading to chronic inflammation in our body and joints, making it more susceptible to subluxations.
Emotional Stress: Stress is a significant factor. Chronic stress and poor stress management can deplete the body’s resources, impacting physical health and making it more prone to injury and disease. Stress may also amplify the pain-experience leading to an increase in pain when we become emotionally stressed.
At Axis Health Center, we understand the importance of addressing these diverse factors. Our 8th Street chiropractor and massage therapy team work together to provide a holistic approach to detect and correct these spinal subluxations so you can lead a life of excellence.
How Are Subluxations Corrected?
Chiropractors at Axis Health Center employ various techniques to correct vertebral subluxations. The cornerstone of treatment is the chiropractic spinal adjustment. This involves applying a precise, gentle force to the affected vertebrae to restore their proper position and function.
Adjustments can be performed manually by hand or with specialized tools. Correcting subluxations typically requires multiple treatments, similar to orthodontic work where teeth are realigned over time. The goal is to help the spinal tissues adapt to the new, correct positions, improving overall function and reducing symptoms.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Vertebral Subluxation?
The most reliable way to determine if you have a vertebral subluxation is through a chiropractic evaluation by a skilled Saskatoon chiropractor. However, certain signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of subluxations, including:
- Neck and back pain, tenderness, or stiffness
- Headaches and dizziness
- Spinal muscle spasms or tightness
- Reduced spinal mobility
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Low energy and poor overall health
- Poor tissue healing
It’s important to note that pain is not always a reliable indicator of subluxations. Much like dental cavities, subluxations can cause significant damage before symptoms like pain become noticeable. This is why regular evaluations, even in the absence of pain, are recommended to detect and address subluxations early.