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What Is A Subluxation?
Subluxation is a term used in the chiropractic field to describe what happens when one or more of the vertebrae in your spine moves out of position. The word "subluxation" is derived from the Latin words meaning somewhat or slightly (sub) and to dislocate (luxate). When this happens, the misaligned vertebra creates pressure and stress on the spinal nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding muscles. This pressure and stress can cause an imbalance in the body's normal processes as the nerves in the spinal column extend to the entire body and its organs. As time goes on and the uncorrected subluxation settles, damage to the nerve gets progressively worse and different stages of subluxation degeneration set in.
Subluxations can occur in a number of ways. A car accident, fall, sudden jar, or trauma are all examples of unique instances that may cause a subluxation. The other occurrences of subluxation stem from daily actions such as improper sleeping position, poor posture, or incorrect lifting procedures.
Chiropractors are specialists in correcting subluxations and other misalignments. A chiropractor restores the misaligned vertebrae to its proper position in the spinal column. They do this manually (with the hands) or through the use of an adjusting instrument by employing the chiropractic procedure known as spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor will apply corrective pressure to the spine in a specific direction and location. The force or thrust helps restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of trauma, such as a car accident, some discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. It is also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve root.
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