Understanding Chiropractic
Chiropractic is that branch of the healing arts which deals with the
neuromusculoskeletal system and its effects in the overall health of the individual.
Specifically chiropractic deals with abnormal joint function in the spine and in the other
joints of the body. Within the chiropractic profession we term this abnormal joint
function, Subluxation. {The Medical profession calls it mechanical joint
dysfunction and Osteopathic physicians refer to it as a somatic lesion.}
Subluxations are most often caused by trauma such as a fall, an automobile accident or
even an improper twist or turn. They may also be caused by chronic repetitive stress
injuries, which are commonly seen on the job. Other common causes are stress, poor posture
and even poor sleeping positions.
Many people think of subluxation as being synonymous with misalignment however this rarely
occurs. Subluxations are really joints, which do not move properly, their normal
biomechanics have been altered. All joints in the body have their own specific range of
motion. In general there are six ranges, which a joint may go through. Flexion extension,
right and left rotation, right and left lateral flexion. When damage to the joint, the
surrounding muscles or ligaments prevents or restricts normal motion the joint is said to
be subluxated.
Subluxation = Abnormal motion and/or position of joint surfaces
Vertebral Subluxation = Abnormal motion and/or position of vertebral joint surfaces
Subluxations can occur in any joint of the body but are most commonly are seen in the
spine. Subluxations in the spine are considered so important because the spine protects
the delicate spinal cord, the downward extension of the brain. A pair of nerves exits
between each level of the spine and connects the brain to every tissue of the body. Nerves
leaving the neck for instance go down the arms, in the lower back they go down the legs
and an in the middle back they travel to the internal organs. These nerves are connecting
pathways, which make most of your body systems work normally.
Subluxations often interfere with normal nerve function resulting in pain, tingling and
organs system dysfunction. This is called Neuropathophysiology.
When nerves are interfered with by the subluxation, we also see muscle dysfunction such as
spasm, atrophy and weakness depending on the severity. This is called Myopathology.
Long-term subluxations, those present more than a few months, often lead to subluxation
degeneration or what is more commonly called arthritis. This is analogous to misaligning
the front end of your vehicle and continuing to drive without repair. What happens your
tires, they wear a very quickly! The same thing happens to the joints of your body, which
are subluxated and not properly corrected. It is important to note that subluxations cause
the most pain when they first occur and then again when they cause very advanced
arthritis. In between many people notice only occasional aches and stiffness.
Chiropractic physicians locate subluxations using a diagnostic technique known as motion
palpation. This is simply feeling the movement of each individual joint as it moves to its
normal range of motion. Once located correction may begin.
The adjustment is the term given to the technique used to correct vertebral subluxations.
The adjustment is a specific manipulation given into the direction of lost movement.
Patients with often notice a popping sound that accompanies the adjustment. This is
nothing more than a release of gas into the joint capsule. It is not something breaking or
popping back into position.
Just like repetitive exercise is required to build large muscles repetition is required
for the adjustment to restore normal movement.
Simple subluxations caused by muscle spasm are usually easiest to correct and require the
fewest visits. More complex subluxations caused by tearing of ligaments and muscles often
require considerably more visits. Subluxations which have already resulted in arthritis
require the most.
This is why is so important to be examined by Doctor of Chiropractic as soon as possible
after an injury.
Robert J. Parks,
A.A., B.S., D.C.
6425 1st Ave. S.
St Petersburg, Fl. 33707
(727) 345-7113
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Copyright 2001 Dr. Robert Parks,
Parks Chiropractic
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