When Does Subluxation Occur?

A persons spine is made of 24 bones called vertebrae. At the top of the spine is the skull which houses the brain or master computer. From the brain, the nerve impulses travel down the spinal cord ( which is protected by the vertebrae.) Nerves branch out between the vertebrae and travel to all areas of the body. A person cannot take a step without the brain telling to body to move. When the vertebrae become misaligned or out of place, they put pressure on the nerve. The message from the brain is slowed down and the life energy carried by the nerve is unable to reach the organs and tissues at 100% of it's potential. A chiropractor aligns the vertebrae through gentle adjustments to the spine, relieving the pressure on the nerve and allowing 100% of the nerve energy to reach the tissues it serves.

It is easy to understand if you compare the nerve to a hose. If your garden is desperately dry and needs moisture to grow, Your body reacts in the same manner  to subluxations. After a subluxation has existed for a period of time, symptoms will occur. The various symptoms of subluxations differ greatly. In some cases, the symptoms may go unnoticed except that the person is more susceptible to colds, tires more quickly or starts having problems with an internal organ. In other cases, the person may experience pain, numbness and tingling.  Remember, the energy which travels down the spinal cord and through the nerves serves every area of the body. Therefore, any area of the body can be affected by a subluxation.

Often the first subluxation occurs at birth. Think of the fragile spine being twisted and turned as the doctor pulls the infant through the birth canal. Can you imagine how much trauma that causes? Learning to walk, riding a bike, and climbing a tree is often the cause of subluxation . Adolescents who participate in sports also experience problems. As adults, there may be auto accidents, work injuries, or stress that affects the spine. Many of the activities of daily living can cause subluxation.

How Long Will It Take To Heal?

It all depends. Many times a subluxation has existed for a long period of time before a person starts to feel symptoms and experience pain. The muscles of the spine have adapted to the incorrect position of the vertebrae. For that reason, it may take a series of adjustments and therapy before the muscles become accustomed to holding the vertebrae in the proper position.  The muscles have to be retrained. It is almost like playing a tug-of-war with your body for a while. The doctor adjusts the spine and the muscles, ligaments and tendons pull it back. Many patients will not seek chiropractic care until symptoms appear. By that time, the vertebra has been misaligned for some time. That is why periodic spinal check-ups are so important. Prevention is the key to maintaining health.