Subluxation and Chiropractic Adjustment

Vertebral subluxation is a chiropractic term used to describe numerous signs and symptoms thought to occur as a result of a misaligned or dysfunctional spinal joint segment. A vertebral subluxation complex is a dysfunctional biomechanical spinal segment (lesion) that can alter neurological function which, in turn, is believed to cause neuromusculoskeletal and visceral disorders. The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.”

The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile – restricted in their movement – as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or it can manifest itself through repetitive stresses such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain and diminished function for the sufferer. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility and thereby alleviates pain and muscle tightness allowing tissues to heal.

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.” The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement as a result of a tissue injury.

Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer.