Subluxation: The Backbone of Chiropractic
by Dr. Bryan Barry ◊ Jun 01, 2012
The location and correction of the subluxation is unique to the chiropractic profession.
According to Connecticut State Law Section 20-24, Definition – As used in this chapter: (1) The practice of chiropractic means the practice of that branch of the healing arts consisting of the science of adjustment, manipulation, and treatment of the human body in which vertebral subluxations and other mal-positioned articulations and structures that may interfere with the normal generation, transmission, and expression of nerve impulse between the brain, organs, and tissue cells of the body, which may be a cause of disease, are adjusted, manipulated, or treated.
To understand chiropractic, you first have to understand how the body works. Our bodies have the ability to heal themselves and keep us healthy. This power controls heart rate, breathing, digestion, and every other vital function. If your finger is cut, your body does the healing. If a bone is fractured, your body does the repair. Instructions (nerve impulses) from your brain via the spinal cord are sent to every organ and cell in your body. If the instructions are received and followed properly, your body is able to reach and maintain its optimum level of health. However, if there is any interference with the transmission of those instructions, the result is less-than-optimum health. Your body can no longer function normally.
Messages to and from the brain are electrical impulses traveling along a complex system of nerve fibers, including the spinal cord, which extends from the base of the skull down the center of the back. It is protected by the spinal column – sometimes called the backbone – which forms a “tunnel” of small interlocking bones called vertebrae. Spaces between the bones allow nerves to branch off to various parts of the body. This tunnel has to be strong enough to safeguard the nerves from injury, but flexible enough to allow the body to bend and move freely.
There are approximately 206 bones in your body. Where these bones come together, either in the spinal column or elsewhere in the body, they form a “joint” or articulation that allows you to move. This area is where subluxation may occur. The vertebral subluxation is an alteration of the normal position and/or motion of the spinal bones. This alteration creates interference to vital nerve signals on their way to and from the brain.
Subluxation is further defined by the following five components:
1. Kinesiopathology or problems with spinal motion – stiffness or lack of motion
2. Neurophysiology or nerve irritation or compression – pinched nerve
3. Myopathology or muscle problems – muscle spasm or trigger points
4. Histopathology or problems on a cellular level – inflammation or scar tissue
5. Pathophysiology or problems with body’s ability to function correctly. These effects may be seen in other organ systems that these nerves supply – sickness, fatigue, or poor immunity
Vertebral subluxation can be caused by any type of stress that is greater than the body can handle. Physical stresses, such as poor posture, falls, accidents, a difficult birth, sports, computer work, or long car rides can strain the muscles, ligaments, and joints, causing spinal subluxation. Chemical stresses are items such as pollutants, poor nutrition, smoking, drugs, and alcohol. Emotional stresses can cause an overall tightening of the muscular system and, therefore, cause spinal strain.
The purpose of chiropractic is to locate and correct subluxations. Detecting subluxations is typically performed through physical examination and palpation of the spine in addition to X-rays, MRI’s, Thermography, and Electromyography studies (EMG). A large part of chiropractic education deals with how to locate and analyze improper placement and motion of the vertebrae and adjacent structures of the body.
Chiropractors give spinal adjustments to correct subluxations. Although there are several different adjusting techniques, they all accomplish the same goal. They restore the joint or vertebrae to their normal position or function so that the nerve flow can resume its normal course. The instructions being sent throughout the body can once again reach their destinations without interference. One will experience the positive effects of the chiropractic adjustment as decreased pain and increased range of motion and improved body function.
The Association of Chiropractic College’s paradigm states that chiropractic “is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, and focuses particular attention on the subluxation. A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health. A subluxation is evaluated, diagnosed, and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based on the best available rational and empirical evidence.”
Doctors of Chiropractic are the experts in locating and correcting subluxations. When you are free of vertebral subluxations, you are more balanced with less stress on your nervous system and body structure. Free of vertebral subluxations, you can better tune in to your inner resources of life, health, and healing.
If you experience neck pain, lower back pain, leg pain, headaches, or suspect that you may have a vertebral subluxation – don’t delay, get checked today. For the entire month of June, Dr. Barry is offering a FREE consultation and spinal stress evaluation. Please call 203.288.2821 or visit www.DrBryanBarry.com to reserve your FREE consultation and evaluation – just mention The Hamden Journal. Don’t miss this generous opportunity. Start living a Pain Free life that you deserve.
