What Is Vertebral Subluxation?
When one of more spinal vertebrae compress the spinal nerves because they have moved out of place, it is called vertebral subluxation. This is often referred to in common terms as a "pinched nerve." This pressure on the nerves can cause interference in the messages your brain sends to the rest of your body through the spinal nerves, causing your body to act inefficiently in the affected areas. There are five components of vertebral subluxation.
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The Bone Component
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When referring to one or more vertebrae being out of place, unable to move normally, or suffering physical degeneration, you are speaking of the bone component of vertebrae subluxation. This is also referred to as kinesiopathology.
The Soft Tissue Component
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Soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments, being affected by out-of-place vertebrae compressing spinal nerves is part of the soft tissue component. This is also referred to as histopathology.
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The Nerve Component
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Malfunctioning of nerves is referred to as neuropathology. It does not take much to cause harm to the spinal nerves.
The Muscle Component
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Muscles are responsible for keeping vertebrae in position. When the vertebrae go out of position, the muscles themselves are affected. Muscles are also controlled by nerves, so when the nerves are compressed, the muscles will be likewise affected. This is referred to also as myopathology.
The Chemical Component
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Minor and severe changes in bodily chemicals can occur because of a vertebral subluxation. These are also referred to as biochemical abnormalities.
Diagnosis and Stages
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Phase 1 is when there is a change in the natural curve in the spine. This can be present for 20 years. Generally, after 20 years phase 2 occurs, where not only is there a change in the natural curve of the spine, but also there is a change in segmental motion. After 40 years, during phase 3, the conditions are more severe, and people in this phase will exhibit a decrease in the range of motion. After 65 years, the problem becomes phase 4. There will be severe changes in calcium and the vertebrae will be fused together.
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