Define: Subluxation

At its most simple, subluxation refers to a misalignment of the vertebrae that causes nerve interference. The spinal cord is your body’s conduit for nerve signalling, through which the brain sends messages to every cell in the body; nerve interference is therefore maleficent because it acts to impede this signalling process, causing the body to function less than optimally. 

What causes subluxation? 

Between the top and bottom of the spine, 124 nerve roots exit the central nervous system to communicate with the rest of the body. If a vertebra moves out of alignment, there is a high likelihood that it will create compression on one or more nerve roots; this compression can be painful (excruciatingly so!) and cause dysfunction. Trauma is a great example of this: whether from the jarring nature of an acute injury or the culmination of repetitive motions, trauma conspires to move vertebrae out of alignment. Fortunately, treating subluxation is at the core of chiropractic theory. 

Treating subluxation in Dunedin 

Subluxation responds well to low-force chiropractic adjustments which seek to move the vertebra(e) back into place and remove compression to the nerve root. In doing this, we influence better functioning of the nervous system and less pain; each adjustment carries great potential in improving your overall health. We combine chiropractic adjustment with active therapy and other rehabilitation modalities including traction and mobilization to reverse subluxation and establish the proper alignment of the spine. From here, we work on strengthening and stretching supportive muscles, and establishing good posture so that you can prevent subluxation from recurring. If you are interested in finding out more about how subluxation may be affecting your life, give our office in Dunedin a call to schedule an appointment today.