Vertebral Subluxations Explained

Vertebral Subluxation

A vertebral subluxation is a term used extensively in chiropractic. In traditional medicine, a subluxation is defined as a partial dislocation of a joint, bone or organ. According to the medical definition, spinal subluxations are rare, but chiropractors use the term in a completely different way. In fact, according to chiropractors, subluxations occur constantly throughout the spine and set the stage for disease and injury to occur. By correcting these subluxations, the chiropractor claims to provide improved nerve flow through the spine and enhance the overall health of the patient.

This discussion provides an overview on spinal subluxations and how they can affect overall health and wellness.

What is Vertebral Subluxation?



Effects of Vertebral Subluxation



Chiropractic Treatment for Subluxated Vertebrae

A manual chiropractic adjustment is used to realign the spinal bones. The adjustments will usually be given to the entire spine, regardless of the location of the subluxation. The sound produced by a spinal manipulation is akin to the cracking of one’s knuckles, and is medically termed “crepitus” or "cavitation".


Vertebral Subluxation Summary

Subluxation is a word that was in medical usage long before it was adopted by chiropractic. I question if it was wise for chiropractors to use this same term to describe a completely different condition than a medical spinal subluxation. This issue was a point of contention between doctors and chiropractors for many years. If it was not for the highly profitable pairing, these 2 professions would probably still be arguing over the semantics of the words. However, words are not the point of this article… the question of the potential effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for neck and back pain is.


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