Chiropractors will often talk about subluxations! It is a word that can be technically described or else just spoken of as an area of the spine where function has been compromised to the extent that it affects the involved nervous system and your health!!!
Technically it can be five dimensional:
Abnormal Motion or Position of Spinal Bones (Spinal Kinesiopathology)
Due to abnormal pressures, bones can begin to lose movement or even move too much. This begins locally and ends with the whole spine compromised and is often visualized by simple posture analysis. One hip high and the opposite shoulder high. That’s why the chiropractor will analyse your whole spine!
Abnormal Nervous System Function (Neuropathophysiology)
Every cell, tissue or organ is innovated by nerves that exit the spinal cord through holes between the vertebrae. When functioning well this is normal but when dysfunctional these messages are compromised. The body does not get the right messages from the brain and things begin to go wrong – it is as simple as that!
Abnormal Muscle Function (Myopathology)
Muscles without correct movement or nerve supply can weaken and waste away or become tight and even go into spasm. After time, scar tissue can form - like gristle in meat. One adjustment to restore joint movement may not work now and a more comprehensive approach with lifestyle changes is now needed for long term success.
Abnormal Soft Tissue Function (Histopathology)
When function in the spine is compromised it also affects the discs, ligaments and other tissue. The discs may dehydrate, bulge, tear, herniate and degenerate. This causes further problems and localized inflammatory reactions. We can often postpone the pain here with the use of anti-inflammatories but the bottom line is that the problems will return because the cause remains!
Abnormal Function of the Spine and Body (Pathophysiology)
When the spinal bones don’t work well the body will look to stabilize the area by growing new bone or spurs. Look at any x-ray and you will see evidence of this. The trouble is that this arthritic process can be very painful and debilitating and needs to be stopped or at least minimized. It is not part of the aging process, as we assume it to be because a well moving spine would not show this.