Subluxation Correction

Chiropractors and Subluxation Correction

The location and correction of the subluxation is unique to the chiropractic profession. Massachusetts State Law (Chapter 112, section 89) defines chiropractic as "the science of locating, and removing interference with the transmission or expression of nerve force in the human body, by the correction of misalignments or subluxations of the bony articulation and adjacent structures, more especially those of the vertebral column and pelvis, for the purpose of restoring and maintaining health."

To understand chiropractic you first have to understand how the body works. Our bodies have the knowledge and ability ( chiropractors call this "Innate Intelligence") to keep us healthy. This power controls heart rate, breathing, digestion and every other vital function. Instructions from your brain via the spinal cord are sent to every organ and cell in your body. If the instructions are received and followed properly, your body is able to reach and maintain its optimum level of health. However, if there is any interference with the transmission of those instructions the result is less-than-optimum health. Your body can no longer function normally.

Messages to and from the brain are electrical impulses traveling along a complex system of nerve fibers including the spinal cord, which extends from the base of the skull down the center of the back. It is protected by the spinal column -- sometimes called the backbone -- which forms a "tunnel" of small interlocking bones called vertebrae. Spaces between the bones allow nerves to branch off to various parts of the body. This tunnel has to be strong enough to safeguard the nerves from injury, but flexible enough to allow the body to bend and move freely.

You have approximately 200 bones in your body. Where these bones come together, either in the spinal column or elsewhere in the body, they form a "joint" or articulation which allows you to move. This area is where subluxation may occur. The vertebral subluxation is an alteration of the normal position and/or motion of the spinal bones. This alteration creates interference to vital nerve signals on their way to and from the brain.

Subluxation is furthur defined by the following 5 components:

1. Kinesiopathology or problems with spinal motion.
2. Neurophysiology or nerve irritation or compression.
3. Myopathology or muscle problems.
4. Histopathology or problems on a cellular level.
5. Pathophysiology or problems with body's ability to function correctly. These effects may be seen in other organ systems that these nerves supply.

Vertebral subluxation can be caused by any type of stress that is greater than the body can handle. Physical stresses such as falls, accidents, a difficult birth, sports, computer work or long car rides can strain the muscles, ligaments and joints, causing spinal subluxation. Chemical stresses such as pollutants and emotional stresses can cause an overall tightening of the muscular system and therefore cause spinal strain.

The purpose of chiropractic is to locate and correct subluxations. Detecting subluxations is a complicated and exacting science. A large part of a chiropractor's education deals with how to locate and analyze improper placement and motion of the vertebrae and adjacent structures of the body.

Chiropractors give spinal adjustments to correct subluxations. Although there are several different adjusting techniques, they all accomplish the same thing. They restore the joint or vertebrae to their normal postion or function so that the nerve flow can resume its normal course. The instructions being sent throughout the body by Innate Intelligence can once again reach their destinations without interference.
You will experience the positive effects of the chiropractic adjustment as decreased pain and increased range of motion and improved body function.

The Association of Chiropractic Colleges paradigm states that chiropractic "is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, and focuses particular attention on the subluxation. A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health. A subluxation is evaluated, diagnosed, and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based on the best available rational and empirical evidence."

Doctors of Chiropractic are the experts in locating and correcting subluxations. When you are free of vertebral subluxations, you are more balanced with less stress on your nervous system and body structure. Free of vertebral subluxations, you can better tune in to your inner resources of life, health and healing.