When it comes to spine health and overall wellness, you may have come across subluxation while researching back pain or visiting the chiropractor. But what exactly does this term mean, and why should you care? Understanding subluxations can give you important insight into how your body functions, so you can take better care of yourself. 

What Is a Subluxation?

A subluxation refers to the misalignment or partial dislocation of a joint, most commonly in the spine, but also occurring in the shoulders, ribs, feet, knees, and wrists. This means the joints are not in their proper positions or moving as they should. Unlike a full dislocation, which usually requires emergency medical attention, a subluxation is more subtle, and the joints are still able to maintain some contact. However, a subluxation can still have a significant effect on your health. 

Chiropractors believe a spinal subluxation interferes with nerve signals between your brain and body. When vertebrae are out of alignment, they may compress or irritate nearby nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms. 

Common Causes of Subluxations

Subluxations can be caused by several everyday stresses or lifestyle factors, including:

• Poor posture, including hunching over
• Prolonged sitting, poor nutrition, or lack of exercise 
• Incorrect ergonomics at work 
• Repetitive motions, such as typing 
• Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
• Emotional and physical stress or tension
• Falls, sports injuries, car crashes, or minor accidents
• Underlying health conditions, such as arthritis or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or trauma during birth (can affect the child or the mom)

Even something as simple as sleeping in an awkward position can lead to spinal misalignment. 

Signs and Symptoms

Not everyone with a subluxation will experience obvious symptoms, but some common signs may include: 

Pain and Muscle Spasms — Pain can occur in the back or neck and range from mild to severe. It may worsen with movement. The muscles around the affected joint may also suddenly tighten, causing spasms. 

Swelling and Inflammation — A subluxation could cause visible swelling or tenderness around the joint.

Stiffness or Limited Range of Motion — You may have difficulty moving the affected joining through its full range of motion. 

Numbness or Tingling — Nerve compression can lead to sensations that feel like pins and needles. 

Weakness — You may experience reduced strength in the affected area, potentially due to instability.

Joint Instability — You may feel like the joint lacks its usual stability or that it might collapse at any moment.  

Headaches and Dizziness — If you have a neck or spinal subluxation, you may experience headaches and dizzy spells.  

Bruising — Trauma to blood vessels can cause visible bruising. 

If nerve function is affected, symptoms may even appear in unrelated parts of the body. You may experience blurred vision, bowel or bladder problems, earaches, ringing in the ears, or fatigue.

How Are Subluxations Diagnosed?

Chiropractors are trained to detect and assess subluxations through physical examination, range-of-motion tests, and sometimes through imaging like an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. They look for changes in posture, muscle tone, joint mobility, as well as feel for tenderness and swelling.

Treatment and Prevention

The most common treatment for subluxation is a chiropractic adjustment. This hands-on technique aims to gently realign the spine or any other misaligned joint, restoring normal movement and nerve communication. 

Other supportive treatments may include:

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises — Strengthening and stretching the muscles surrounding the affected joint can provide better support and stability. 

Posture Correction — Maintaining good posture helps reduce the stress on joints that leads to misalignments.

Ergonomic Advice — Creating the best setup at work will help you maintain good posture and keep unnecessary stress off your joints. 

Stress Management — Learning techniques to manage your stress can help you reduce the tension in your back, neck, and shoulders. 

RICE therapy — Rest, ice, compression, and elevation can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. You may need to temporarily avoid activities that can aggravate the affected joint

Immobilization — Braces, slings, or other supportive devices may be used to immobilize the joint and allow it to heal 

Surgery — In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged ligaments or tendons.

Preventing subluxations often means being mindful of your posture, staying active while properly warming up and cooling down, and using proper techniques when lifting or exercising.

Don’t Ignore a Subluxation 

Subluxations might seem minor, but they can significantly impact your well-being over time. By understanding what they are and how they affect your body and mind, you can make more informed choices about your spinal health. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain or aiming for better overall function, address subluxations now to take a step toward a healthier you and a better quality of life.  

As the weather warms up and days get longer, people begin to spend their free time outside getting back into summer activities, such as gardening, biking, golfing, and yard work. While getting out in the fresh air is good for your body and mind, participating in summer hobbies can take a toll on your spine and muscles — especially if you don’t pay attention to your posture, lift technique, warm-ups, and recovery. 

Here are some practical tips for protecting your back during popular summer activities, so you can stay active and pain-free.

Gardening & Yard Work: Lift Smart, Move Mindfully

Warm Up First — You should treat any major activity, including gardening and yard work, as you would a good workout. Take a few minutes to warm up your body by stretching your hamstrings, shoulders, and lower back before you start. 

Use Proper Lifting Techniques — Squat down, grip objects close to your body, and lift using your knees and legs, not your back. Avoid twisting your body when lifting. 

Switch Tasks Frequently — Raking, weeding, and digging all use different muscles. Alternate tasks every 15 to 30 minutes to avoid overuse injuries. You should also take breaks to stop and stretch, especially if you start to feel stiff or achy. 

Use Ergonomic Tools — Long-handled or padded-grip tools reduce strain on your spine and joints. Consider also using garden scooters and kneelers to help minimize bending and twisting.

Maintain Good Posture —  Keep your spine straight and aligned and avoid slouching or hunching. 

Golf: Play Your Game Without the Pain

Stretch Before You Swing — Warm up before you start playing, focusing on your hips, shoulders, and lower back. This will help prevent back strain.

Maintain Good Posture — A proper stance reduces pressure on the lumbar spine; maintain a neutral back with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly rotated outwards. Avoid slouching or over-rotating during your swing. Bend at the hips and focus on using your core when swinging your golf club. 

Carry Wisely — When walking around the course, use a push cart or double-strap bag to evenly distribute weight. When lifting your golf bag, using the right bending technique and limit the amount of times you pick it up. 

Biking: Ride Smooth, Stay Aligned

Adjust Your Bike — The seat of the bike should allow your heel to reach the pedal at the bottom of the stroke without excessive movement. You should be able to reach your handlebars comfortably without hunching or overreaching. Finally, if you are prone to back pain, consider a shorter stem to reduce how much you need to reach for the handlebars.

Engage Your Core — A strong core stabilizes your back and distributes your weight evenly, especially on long rides or hilly terrain. If you have trouble engaging your core, doing bridges, planks, and bird-dogs will help strengthen it. 

Take Breaks — On longer rides, stop and stretch every 30 to 60 minutes to avoid muscle fatigue and stiffness. You should also change your position on your bike frequently to avoid prolonged pressure on one area of your back. 

Stay Hydrated and Cool

No matter what summer activities you participate in, remember to drink water before, during, and after to keep your muscles and joints lubricated. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue, increasing your risk of injury. 

You should also avoid working or participating in summer activities during the hottest part of the day. Consider doing things in the early morning or evening.

Cool Down

You should always cool down after doing any strenuous activity; it allows your heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal levels, helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, and promotes recovery. To cool down, gradually decrease intensity, such as switching to a walk after going on a jog, then do some static stretches, focusing on the muscles you used during the activity. 

Listen to Your Body

Don’t ignore soreness, tightness, or discomfort; your body could be warning you about potential issues. If pain lingers for more than a day or two, schedule a chiropractic checkup.

Regular chiropractic care helps align your spine, improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent injury — keeping you active all summer long.

Enjoy Summer Without Pain

You should be able to enjoy the outdoors in the summer without suffering from pain and stiffness. Whether you’re pulling weeds, tending to your garden, swinging a golf club, or hitting the bike trail, taking simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your spine and muscles. Incorporate good posture, proper technique, and regular breaks into your routine to prevent injury and keep you moving comfortably.

Chiropractic care not only benefits adults who want to find relief from back pain or recover from injuries but it also benefits kids. Through the years, children experience rapid physical growth and developmental changes, and their bodies are constantly adapting. From first steps to school sports, childhood is full of bumps, tumbles, and stress on the spine and nervous system. That’s where pediatric chiropractic care comes in.

1. Supports Healthy Development 

During the early stages of life, the spine and nervous system play a crucial role in helping kids grow and develop. Gentle adjustments to the spine will help keep it aligned, supporting better posture, coordination, and balance as your child grows. A well-balanced spine promotes better well-being, greater immunity, and healthy spinal development. 

Example: A baby who struggles turning their head to one side may benefit from chiropractic care that helps release tension and restore range of motion.

2. Improves Sleep

Good sleep helps kids grow physically and emotionally healthy. If your child seems extra tired, chiropractic adjustments can help them sleep more soundly during the night. Misalignments (subluxations) in the spine can affect the nervous system and cause insomnia and other sleep issues. Regular care can help relieve discomfort and promote better sleep, thus improving memory, behavior, attention, and overall health. 

3. Boosts the Immune System

A well-functioning nervous system supports immune health. Chiropractic care helps remove interference in the spine and ensures it grows correctly, which can help the body respond better to colds and infections and recover more quickly. It can also support kids with asthma or allergies by optimizing nerve communication.

While chiropractic care won’t replace medical treatment, it can be a supportive addition to your child’s overall wellness plan.

4. Eases Common Childhood Issues

Chiropractic care can help with a variety of childhood conditions, including:

Colic — Adjustments can calm the nervous system and relieve pressure on the digestive tract.

Ear infections — By improving drainage in the ears, chiropractic care may reduce recurrence.

Acid Reflux or Constipation — Stimulating nerves that control digestion can lead to improved function.

Bedwetting — In some cases, misaligned spinal bones can put pressure on nerves that affect bladder control.

Growing Pains — Chiropractic care can ease growing pains by correcting spinal misalignments, reducing muscle and joint tension, and enhancing the body’s natural healing process. 

While chiropractic care isn’t a surefire cure for any illnesses, it can offer a holistic approach to managing and reducing symptoms associated with these common issues.

5. Encourages Better Posture

With screen time on the rise, poor posture and “tech neck” (forward head posture caused by looking down at screens) have become more common in children. Chiropractic care, paired with posture-friendly habits, can help combat the effects of prolonged sitting and screen use. 

Chiropractors can also provide guidance on ergonomics and backpack use and encourage good posture. Consider having your child’s posture checked before a new school year or sports season. 

6. Enhances Brain Development 

Chiropractic care can help improve kids’ brain development as it releases pressure on bones, joints, and the spine and allows oxygenated blood and nutrients to fuel the brain. It can help with symptoms related to ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders and improve concentration and focus. 

7. Enhances Athletic Performance & Recovery

For children in sports, chiropractic care can help improve flexibility and range of motion, reduce the risk of injury, speed up recovery time, and address imbalances before they lead to pain. Even minor misalignments can affect a child’s performance, especially in sports that require precision, such as gymnastics, swimming, or dance. 

8. Prevents Future Problems

Just like regular dental checkups, taking your kids to the chiropractor can be a proactive step in preventing issues down the line. Addressing small misalignments now can reduce the risk of bigger problems in the future.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Kids?

Adjustments are safe and gentle when performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor trained in pediatric care. Always consult with your pediatrician and a qualified chiropractor to discuss what’s best for your child and make sure all treatment is specifically tailored to your child’s age and size. 

Chiropractic Care Helps Children Grow and Develop Properly

Kids are naturally tough and resilient, but their active and developing bodies can still benefit from gentle chiropractic care. Whether you want to help them sleep better, ease discomfort, or grow up strong and balanced, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of your child’s wellness routine.

Have questions about pediatric care? Reach out to Elite Chiropractic and discover how small adjustments can make a big difference in your child’s life.