Your back is a complex and wonderful structure. However, it can also be a source of pain and discomfort. When one of your vertebrae is out of alignment with surrounding vertebrae, it is considered subluxated. This misalignment is referred to as subluxation and often leads to pressure and stress on surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

This situation, in turn, leads to pain and further damage to the back and, by extension, the entire body. Muscle spasms, inflammation, pain, and lack of mobility are common. Treatment for subluxation can include regular chiropractic visits and proper exercise/diet to restore good posture and health.

Subluxation, like much of back pain, can be caused by a single traumatic incident such as fall or a car accident. It can also be caused by poor posture and other body alignment issues, including incorrect lifting of heavy objects. Since chiropractors are trained to treat misalignment, they are uniquely qualified to address issues of subluxation. Proper chiropractic techniques can help restore vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column.

Subluxation degeneration can be described in stages. In its earliest stage, the natural curvature of the spine is affected, but a person may not have much noticeable pain or lack of mobility. Treatment at this time, however, is very effective. Chiropractic care for early stage subluxation can restore curvature and, more importantly, prevent further degradation of the vertebrae.

If untreated, early stage subluxation can progress to something more serious. This is typical for people who have untreated subluxation for 20-40 years. In these cases, mobility is altered, if only slightly. Patients may be able to recall old back pains and injuries that were untreated or left unchecked. In this stage, there can be calcium buildups along the spine, leading to spurs and arthritis.

Again, the necessary course of action is intervention by a licensed chiropractic practitioner. Treatment can take up to 2.5 years, but well both restore mobility and prevent further degradation.

More advanced stages of subluxation degeneration are more serious. Spinal curvature is abnormal with inter-vertebral disc space significantly affected. Movement is noticeably restricted, but again chiropractic treatment can improve spinal functionality and reduce pain. Of course, if unchecked, the later stages of subluxation degeneration pose serious health issues.

Persons with advanced degeneration may suffer spinal fusion; the limited movement and associated pain can cause depression and other associated health issues. These emotional and mental stresses often open the door for other serious illnesses. While reversal of structural issues at this time is not likely, some treatment can alleviate pain and may improve the quality of life.

In all stages, chiropractic treatment is critical to curbing the negative effects of spinal subluxation. The corrective pressure applied by a chiropractor can aid in realignment and improved mobility of the vertebrae. As the treatment progresses, patients supplement their recovery with additional mobility/flexibility exercises.

Subluxation, unfortunately, is experienced by all. If untreated, the degradation will significantly affect quality of life. However, with the combination of treatments and exercise, subluxation can be managed and life can be lived more fully.

Dr. Hausman is a licensed Chiropractor. His take on wellness is called a “whole person approach”. By using this approach, he is able to look for any causes or disturbances within the body and treat the body as a whole. Dr. Hausman enjoys helping people get well without the need for surgery or medication. And also enjoys working with all age groups. Dr. Hausman also keeps a healthy lifestyle by running several marathons, half-marathons or 10ks.