What's a Vertebral Subluxation?
You may have sought chiropractic care because something didn’t feel right, but a precise chiropractic adjustment is much more than pain relief or a treatment for pain. Many times people tell us that the adjustment makes them feel much better, but it does so much more. Family chiropractic care can be a life changing... more
Vertebral subluxation (VS) is not a household word, but it should be. That’s because it’s a common situation that has a big effect on the well-being of people of all ages. Let’s put an exclamation mark on the idea by saying that VS is probably the most overlooked of all the important things that should be watched because it can greatly disturb a person’s life and health.
Nevertheless, we know that this concept is new to most people. Chiropractic offices may have information about vertebral subluxations, yet few people are even aware of VS. That’s why we tell people that everyone should have their spines checked for subluxation. Today someone asked me, “Just what is a vertebral subluxation?” I’m really glad she asked. And here’s what I answered:
“Vertebral subluxation is why chiropractic exists. It’s what happens when a spinal bone becomes misaligned, and insults the nerve system. It’s a little ironic because vertebrae are actually designed to protect the nerve system. When the spinal cord is properly sheltered by the movable bones of the spine, life can be good. If, on the other hand, a vertebra fails in that task, then life can’t possibly be as good. The reason is simple. The brain communicates with and coordinates the function of all other body parts through the nerve system.
When messages between the brain and body are interfered with, body tissues still receive signals through the nerves, but they are distorted. The result is a malfunction. Some malfunctions produce symptoms, while others might manifest for prolonged periods of time before a person has any idea that something is wrong. Simply stated, vertebral subluxations interfere with life in the body.”
It’s safe to say that life is always better without vertebral subluxations. That’s why so many people make a point of seeing their chiropractor regularly. We know that these subluxations occur when the outside insults of everyday life overcome our internal resistance. There are various ways that can occur and the research suggests that these upsets can happen when a physical, chemical, or emotional trauma that gets the best of us. It’s easy to understand how being in a car accident, taking a fall, or some other impact can disturb the proper position of a vertebra.
But clinical experience has shown that VS also occurs in the presence of emotional upsets, and when injurious chemicals enter the body. Unfortunately, that sometimes includes medications, even though taken with the intention of helping a person. Whether due to high-stress lifestyle, low-quality foods, or just living day to day in this often unnatural environment, VS always interferes with one’s ability to express our fullest potential.
All of this makes it a good idea to get your spine checked, and adjusted if vertebral subluxation is found to be present.
