Subluxation

Subluxation is a Joint Complex Dysfunction

Segmental dysfunction of the spine that is associated with biomechanical abnormalities and neurologic compromise

Chiropractors, physical therapist and medical doctors have longed disagreed with a name for the musculoskeletal lesion of the spine; such as when a patient presents with spinal pain and related symptoms. All agree that reduced mobility promotes pathological changes in the structures that make up the joint complex (subluxation) and that pain, inflammation, and stiffness are common manifestations of the lesion. Modern evidence supports the argument that ischemia (lack of blood supply/stagnate blood) and edema (swelling) are more critical in the patho-physiology of nerve root injury than are mechanical factors such as compression.

Joint fixation or joint restrictions are inappropriate because they refer to reduced mobility and not to the negative effects of immobilization, imbalances of muscle function, muscle trigger points, and inflammation. Muscle imbalances and trigger points are associated with joint hypomobility/immobility; thus, both muscle dysfunctions are considered to be a component of a joint complex dysfunction. Once tissue injury occurs: inflammation, nociception, and pain all promote the development of joint complex dysfunction.

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 abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly. Take a moment to see how the different areas of the spine influence our bodies by visiting a 3D Spine Simulator.

Components of a Subluxation

• Abnormal movement or position of spinal bone
• Abnormal nervous system function
• Abnormal muscle function
• Abnormal soft tissue function
• Abnormal growth do to decay/degeneration