The Subluxation/Spinal Joint Dysfunction

Whether you just started seeing a chiropractor or are a long-time patient, you have probably heard the term "subluxation." Your chiropractor may have also used the terms vertebral subluxation complex, spinal joint dysfunction or fixation. Generally speaking, these terms are interchangeable. However, subluxation has specific qualities to chiropractors and is a word with historical significance.

By definition, subluxation describes a joint that has restricted motion or is abnormally positioned.  This can occur in a spinal joint (between two vertebrae) or in a peripheral joint (a joint other than the vertebral joints, like one in your foot or wrist).

Subluxations can cause local pain and may interfere with or impede the function of the nervous system, joints and muscles. This may decrease the body's ability to heal and function optimally. There are generally five components of subluxation, which fall under the broader heading of the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC). These components generally occur in the following sequence:

1. Abnormal spinal mechanics

Your chiropractor may use his or her hands to assess the movement of your spine or peripheral joints. When a joint is not moving well relative to the joint above or below it, it is said to have abnormal spinal mechanics. This may result from trauma, like a fall, or from chronic mistreatment, like poor posture. If you have abnormal mechanics, you may notice a lack of mobility, such as difficulty moving your head to check your rearview mirror. If not cared for, this can lead to abnormal nerve function. Your chiropractor will use adjustments to restore the restricted motion.

2. Abnormal nerve function

Whenever a subluxation does not heal properly there will be a pinched or irritated spinal nerve. That's because the spinal facet joint is located adjacent to the spinal nerve roots, and sprained spinal joints irritate the roots either by direct pressure (only about 10% to 15% of the time) or by irritation with inflammatory chemicals (85% to 90% of the time). In addition, when the joint is sprained or subluxated the tiny nerve endings in the joint's cartilage may become damaged. If this happens, it can alter the messages nerves send to the brain and affect the brain's ability to control the spinal muscles.

3. Abnormal muscle function

Whenever there are pinched or irritated spinal nerves there will usually be muscle problems. Pinched (impinged) nerves will cause muscle weakness, whereas irritated nerves may cause muscle strain or spasm. This can lead to muscle inflammation and eventually scar tissue formation or gristle in the muscle. To patients, this feels like tight or rope-like muscles, which are tender to touch. In addition, patients may notice that their muscles burn and tire easily. Left unchecked, this inflammation can spread throughout the spine.

4. Abnormal function of soft tissues around the spine

Inflammation that occurs in muscles and joints can cause further complications by spreading to all areas around the spine. With long-term swelling of structures, such as ligaments, disks and other soft tissues, calcium and fibrous materials are laid down. With repeated episodes of subluxation, the spine accumulates an increasingly larger number of abnormal sites. In fact, some MRI studies have shown areas of soft-tissue fibrosis and calcification up to one inch thick around the spine. At the same time, long-term swelling can increase due to improper vascular supply and drainage. From here, full-blown spinal disease is the likely outcome.

5. Disease at the spinal level and of the whole body

At this stage, irreversible disease or pathology can occur. This may manifest in the spinal area as bony spurs on the vertebrae, decreased disk height and roughened joint surfaces. Known as osteoarthritis or subluxation degeneration, it can occur at any age, but is increasingly common as people get older. In addition, it can lead to disease or pathology away from the spine, in all body tissues, organs and systems, as pressure on the nerves decreases impulses to these areas.

Last updated January 1, 2007