Spinal Subluxation And Alignment
What is a "vertebral subluxation"?
Vertebral misalignment and vertebral subluxation are synonomous terms for the same thing. And what those define are you one vertebral body in the spinal column, and you have an adjacent vertebre of the spinal column. And when one is shifted out of place, that changes the whole movement dynamic in the body that changes strain in the system that ultimately, if unaddressed, will present itself in some form of pain and functional disability in the patient.
Why do some chiropractors believe spinal misalignment causes disease?
What chiropractors know through scientific research and experience is that all misalignments decrease body function. All doctors agree, in every profession, that anything that decreases function in the body sets the body up in a chain reaction that makes it vulnerable to health conditions. Therefore, some chiropractors believe spinal misalignment causes disease.
How do chiropractors treat subluxation or misalignment?
Chiropractors treat vertebral subluxations by using a traditional adjustment where the hands are placed on the back on the joint, general traction is taken and there is a very low amplitude gentle thrust that's applied, making the joint correct. Chiropractors can also use a non-force technique where an instrument is used to make the correction. Both of those different types of adjustments for vertebral subluxations are equally effective.
What is a "spinal adjustment"?
A spinal (back) adjustment is the same thing as a retieble subluxation adjustment where we could either do a hands on gentle traction with a very low aplitude gentle thrust, or it can also be done with a non-force technique either using an instrument or the hands, both of those are equally effective.
Is a "spinal manipulation" the same thing as a "back adjustment"?
A back adjustment and a vertebral retibal subluxation adjustment are the same thing. Both of them ultimately result in a correction of the misalignment in the spine.
Can a back adjustment make my spine too loose?
A properly applied chiropractic adjustment to the spine can never make a joint too loose. Most of the supplications that occur in the spine are a segment that doesn't move enough and that's the problem and that's what creates the dysfunction.
How often do I have to have my back adjusted?
The frequency of back adjustments is completely individualized for the patient. It depends on their current state of health and how compliant they are with their chiropractor's recommendation for home care, such as stretching exercise. The frequency of back adjustments also depends on a patient's life style and what their goals are for health care.
Can I give myself a back adjustment?
A patient can't give themselves a proper chiropractic adjustment. It's possible to roll over and hear a noise come out of their back or their neck, but that's usually a segment of the spine that's moving too much or the expense of an area that's not moving enough. The ultimate goal of any chiropractic adjustment is to make sure that those joints in the spine are moving correctly. That's the only way that you restore normal function to the spine.
Can I resume my normal activities after a chiropractic adjustment?
It's entirely appropriate to go back and resume the normal activities of daily living after a chiropractic adjustment.
Is everyone given the same kind of chiropractic adjustment?
Chiropractors are trained in a variety of different adjusting techniques that are selected specifically for the individualized needs of the patient. For example, at the Tour de France when I worked with Lance Armstrong on all seven of Lance's Tour de France victories, I would adjust each of the different teammates in a different way according to what their needs are–just as any Chiropractor would do in a normal clinic setting. That's the advantage of have a repertoire of adjusting techniques, because that way you can select the most appropriate one for the patient.
