Subluxation is a broad term that describes the partial dislocation of a joint. It can happen in any of your joints and has a wide range of causes.
However, not all subluxations are the same. The location and cause of the subluxation can impact your health and function differently. While medical treatment may sometimes be the best option, some types of subluxations can be managed with chiropractic care.
What Is Subluxation?
Subluxation is the partial dislocation of a joint. The bones are in contact, but they are misaligned, altering proper joint function. This is different from the complete dislocation of your joint, where the bones separate entirely.
There are two types of subluxation: joint subluxation and vertebral subluxation. While that seems like a matter of semantics, it’s much more than that.
What Is Joint Subluxation?
We have many joints, and a subluxation can happen in any of them, like your shoulder, patella (kneecap), and elbow. For example, a joint subluxation in the shoulder is when the ball of your upper arm comes partially out of its socket. You can still move your arm, but it’s painful, and you may not have a full range of motion. The partial dislocation is visible on an X-ray or other scan.
What Is Vertebral Subluxation?
Vertebral subluxation, also called spinal subluxation, is when the vertebrae in your spine are misaligned. Some vertebral subluxations are like a joint subluxation. One or more of your spinal joints are partially and visibly dislocated. These types of vertebral subluxations are generally caused by trauma and are a structural injury to the spine.
In chiropractic, though, vertebral subluxation is a broad term to describe the changes in your spinal alignment and function. It’s not necessarily a visible dislocation of the vertebral joints, but it can impact nervous system function and can alter how you move and feel. For example, you can still move your back, but it may be painful, or you don’t have the flexibility and full range of motion you once had.
Symptoms of Subluxation
Subluxation symptoms vary depending on which joints are misaligned.
Common joint subluxation symptoms include:
- Pain in the affected joint
- Limited range of motion
- Swelling
- Joint instability (feeling like it won’t hold your weight)
- Muscle weakness
- Visible misalignment
Vertebral subluxation symptoms are often related to spinal function and impact the nerves:
- Back or neck pain
- Stiffness or reduced flexibility
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling
- Discomfort that spreads to other parts of your body
- Muscle tension or tightness
Causes of Subluxation
The causes of subluxation also vary depending on whether it’s a joint subluxation or spinal subluxation. Joint subluxation is often caused by:
- Trauma and injury, including falling, car accidents, and sports injuries
- Repetitive motion and overuse
- Other health conditions, like arthritis,
- Hypermobility issues, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Stroke (rare, and generally found in shoulder subluxation)
Spinal subluxation is more likely caused by lifestyle factors, including:
- Poor posture
- Inflammation
- Poor ergonomics
- Chronic stress or tension
- Poor nutrition or other lifestyle habits
How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Vertebral Subluxation?
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring spinal alignment to improve overall spinal movement and function. Using gentle thrusts, the chiropractor reduces stress on the surrounding muscles and tissues to restore proper joint function.
Complementary approaches, such as massage therapy, strengthening exercises, and guidance on ergonomics and proper movement, support long-term spinal health and help prevent recurring issues.
Realign Your Spine
While a chiropractor may not be able to help with many joint subluxations, they can be a good solution for most vertebral subluxations. Using gentle thrusts and force, a chiropractor can realign your spine, restoring function and movement through your body and relieving aches and pains.
If you suspect a vertebral function is interfering with your life, contact Flourish Chiropractic Spa today. Our experienced, compassionate team of chiropractors and massage therapists is here to guide you on your path to wellness and healing. Schedule your appointment today.
