Most people know that when their body feels out of whack—whether it’s aching, giving them a headache, or causing back pain—they should visit a chiropractor.
Many of us have experienced the benefits of getting adjusted, and it’s clear that chiropractic care has helped countless people around the globe. But it’s likely that you still don’t understand why chiropractic adjustments make you feel better.
It all comes down to one of the most common chiropractic terms: subluxation.
So, what exactly is a subluxation, and why should you care? Let’s dive into this vital concept and explore how it plays a key role in your overall health and well-being!
What Is a Subluxation?
A subluxation—also known as a vertebral misalignment—is the partial dislocation of a joint (usually the vertebrae). This little misalignment can put pressure on your nervous system, leading to dysfunction throughout your body. It’s what keeps you in a state of dis-ease, which is just a fancy way of saying you’re not feeling your best.
Now, it’s important to understand that a subluxation isn’t just about a bone being out of whack or a “slipped disc” or “pinched nerve.” It’s a lot more complex than that and is often one of the most overlooked aspects of chiropractic care.
When a joint or vertebra is misaligned, it puts pressure on the surrounding soft tissues, such as your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even the nerves and spinal cord. When nerves are compressed, it can disrupt your body’s natural ability to heal, often resulting in a host of problems: asthma, high blood pressure, vertigo, irritable bowel syndrome, and insomnia—the list goes on!
Now, I’m not saying that chiropractic care can cure every medical issue, but if there’s dysfunction in your body, freeing the nervous system from interference might just be what you need to start feeling better.
Plus, if you engage in repetitive motions—like typing all day or heavy lifting—you might be putting yourself at even greater risk for these misalignments. It’s essential to recognize the significance of subluxations in your overall health and well-being, so let’s keep exploring how they affect your body and what you can do about it!
Subluxation Side Effects
Even if a subluxation doesn’t affect the nerves, it contributes to joint instability, which can throw the rest of your body out of balance.
According to Dr. Rene Cailliet, former chairman of the Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University of Southern California, simply holding your head too far forward in relation to the shoulders can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage on the neck, pulling the entire spine out of alignment. Such misalignment may even reduce lung capacity by up to 30%!
Because the entire body is potentially affected by subluxation, it can be difficult to pinpoint subluxation symptoms. Depending on which joint is misaligned, you may feel chronic pain or a lack of function in any area of the body.
Fortunately, your chiropractor can help!
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
By realigning the spine and restoring proper posture, chiropractic care plays a vital role in addressing joint subluxations.
When the spine is adjusted, it helps correct misalignments, including common problems like forward head posture. This not only alleviates strain on your neck and back muscles but also allows your head to sit in a more natural position, which is essential for overall body balance.
One of the key benefits of chiropractic adjustments is the enhancement of your range of motion. When your spine is properly aligned, it can lead to increased flexibility and mobility, allowing you to move more freely and comfortably. This improvement can be especially beneficial if you’ve been dealing with stiffness or discomfort from subluxations.
In addition to improving posture and mobility, chiropractic care can also boost lung function. When your head and neck are properly aligned, the respiratory muscles can work more efficiently, allowing for better oxygen intake and overall respiratory health. This is particularly important for individuals experiencing symptoms related to subluxations, as proper lung function plays a significant role in overall wellness.
Chiropractic care can also complement other therapies, such as physical therapy, to create a more comprehensive treatment plan. By working together, these therapies can address both the symptoms and underlying causes of your issues, providing a holistic approach to healing.
In summary, addressing spinal subluxations through regular chiropractic adjustments is crucial for maintaining your overall health. These adjustments not only help mitigate the symptoms associated with subluxations but also support your body’s ability to function at its best. By prioritizing chiropractic care, you’re taking an important step toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Conclusion
Seeking regular chiropractic care is especially important, even when you’re not feeling any pain.
Many health problems—including vertebral subluxations—don’t always show symptoms right away, which means they can sneak up on you over time. By committing to regular chiropractic adjustments, you can help prevent these issues from worsening and potentially leading to more serious health concerns down the line.
In addition to addressing specific problems, regular chiropractic care can significantly enhance your overall wellness. By keeping your body properly aligned, you allow it to function at its best, which can improve your quality of life.
So, don’t wait for discomfort to strike—make chiropractic care a part of your health routine and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more balanced you!
