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.
