Edmonton Chiropractor Explains Subluxations
Chiropractors are trained to identify spinal subluxations or misalignments along the spine and vertebral column which interfere with nervous system functioning. Using specific Chiropractic Adjustments, they are able to correct the subluxations to improve the functioning of the nervous system. Read on to learn more about subluxations and how they might be affecting your health.
What is a subluxation?
A subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine or vertebrae move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that branch out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves can interfere with the signals that normally travel along them, affecting how your brain communicates with your body.
How do subluxations affect our health?
Virtually every cell, tissue, organ and system in our body is controlled and coordinated by our nervous system. The nervous system acts like a messenger, sending signals from our brain to our bodies. When there is any type of nerve interference or misalignment in the spine, the communication between our brain and body is impaired, which can result in a myriad of health problems.
Long standing vertebral subluxations can also cause spinal damage (Subluxation Degeneration) as well.
How do subluxations occur?
Subluxations are caused by any stress that overwhelms your body. There are 3 common causes.
- Physical causes such as the birth process, slips/falls (even as a toddler), mild jars when you’re unprepared, motor vehicle accidents, repetitive motion, poor ergonomics at work, improper lifting, surgeries, and even poor posture.
- Emotional causes including tension, stress, anger, fear or an emotional shock when your energy is low.
- Chemical causes which include alcohol, drugs, medications, dental work, pollution and poor diet.
All of these can affect the delicate relationship between our spine and nervous system.
How do I know if I have a subluxation?
Subluxations can be present before any warning signs or symptoms appear. Chiropractors are trained to examine the spine and vertebral column to detect and correct subluxations, correcting the flow of information between our brain and body.
Following are some common indications that should be checked for possible subluxation associated problems:
- Pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in area of the body
- Headaches
- Low energy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Poor memory & concentration
- Difficult digestion
There are also many other indications which should also be checked as well. Please see the Benefits section for more information.
SEMG Image Before Chriropactic Care
How are subluxations diagnosed?
Chiropractors use a variety of methods to diagnose subluxation, including thorough examination and testing of the spine, information from your health history and Xrays if needed.
The Insight Millenium™ system is a state of the art diagnostic tool which allows Chiropractors to detect subluxations and monitor their improvement. This device measures how the nervous system is functioning by checking two areas:
- Surface Electromyography (SEMG) scan: Subluxations disturb the function of the nerve causing an abnormal amount of electrical current flowing to the muscles. The SEMG scan measures the amount of electrical current found in the muscles, thereby indicating how well the motor nerves are working.
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SEMG After Chiropractic Care
Thermography (Thermal Scan): If the communication between the nervous system and the blood vessels is disturbed, it produces an imbalanced temperature reading along the spine. The thermography test measures the skin temperature along the spine which provides information to monitor the autonomic nervous system for proper functioning.
The Insight Millenium™ system not only provides a way for Chiropractors to show their patients how subluxations are affecting their nerve functioning, but also allows them to monitor improvement of their subluxations as they progress through their program of care.
