A subluxation is a minor misalignment of the spine causing nerve interference.
A subluxation is a minor misalignment of the spine causing nerve interference. Your body communicates from the brain through the spinal cord, spinal nerves and peripheral nervous system. Your body communicates back to the brain through your nervous system. Your nerves are like wires but much more delicate. They are protected by the skull and vertebrae of your spine. The spine must allow movement so you can move but protect the delicate nerves. Abnormal stresses can cause your vertebrae to become misaligned causing nerve interference. Spinal joints and nerves that are stressed cause pain, muscle imbalance, and nerve interference to the tissue and organs they supply. Each vertebrae causes certain pain patterns called sclerotome pain, muscles cause certain pain patterns and tingling as seen on trigger point charts and nerves cause certain problems according to what tissues and organs they supply as seen on a nerve chart.
Components of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex
The vertebral subluxation complex, VSC, is the underlying cause of many health problems. When this condition is corrected, the body functions more normally and initiates the natural healing process. There are 5 components to the subluxation complex:
- Spinal Kinesiopathology
Abnormal position and motion of the spinal segments can be caused by physical injury, emotional stress or other trauma. This prevents normal bending, turning and other movements, leading to the other four components. - NeuropathophysiologyDelicate nerve can be pinched, twisted, stretched, or otherwise irritated by abnormal spinal function. This causes nervous system dysfunction and my be felt as numbness, tingling, or pain in the neck, back, arm, leg or other parts of the body.
- MyopathologySpinal support muscles may weaken or atrophy while other go into spasm. Fibrosis and scar tissue may develop and penetrate these muscles making it difficult for them to support the spine properly.
- HistopathologySwelling and inflammation can cause irreversible damage of the soft tissue. Ligaments can stretch or tear, discs can bulge, herniate, or degenerate.
- PathophysiologyMalfunctioning spinal joints develop bone spurs and other abnormal growths. Other systems of the body malfunction because of the subluxation degeneration process, scar tissue, and long-term nerve irritation.
Vertebral Subluxation May Be Caused By:
The birth process, accidents and injuries, emotional and physical stress, postural strains and imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and hereditary or environmental factors.
Find out the effects of your subluxations by clicking on the subluxations Dr. Schuler marked on your nerve chart or Subluxation Tracker card: