Vertebral Subluxation Defined

Posted on Sep 22, 2019


If you visit a chiropractic office like Lakewoods Chiropractic you might hear people talking about “vertebral subluxations.” Or you might see posters on the wall with those words. To the average person, they might as well be another language. So, what are they, anyway? What’s the definition?

In layman’s terms, a vertebral subluxation is a misalignment of a person’s spinal column. In the medical world, the term subluxation refers to an incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint or organ.

How did the term come about? Back in 1910, the founder of chiropractic, D.D. Palmer, wrote about nerves and how they carry impulses outward and sensations inward. He wrote that the activity of these nerves (more specifically their fibers) could become excited or allayed by impingement, with the result being that they couldn’t function as intended… leading to disease. Meanwhile, Palmer’s son B.J. wrote around the same time that chiropractors could find a cause for every disease in the spine. He believed that in the spinal column a chiropractor could find a subluxation corresponding to every type of disease. Of course, this was rudimentary– but it gives you some perspective on where the idea for vertebral subluxation came from over a century ago.

Nowadays, we take a more refined approach to defining what a chiropractic vertebral subluxation is… According to the World Health Organization, it’s a lesion or dysfunction in a joint or motion segment in which alignment, movement integrity and/or physiological function are altered, although contact between joint surfaces remains intact. It is essentially a functional entity, which may influence biomechanical and neural integrity.

If that sounds like a lot of big words, it’s perhaps best to sum it up this way: chiropractic involves adjusting the spine to get rid of nerve impingement (pressure) so people feel better. If you’ve got a misaligned spine and there’s nerve interference, you’re likely going to have pain, which could be in your neck, shoulders, back, etc. A chiropractor uses his or her hands to correct that misalignment, helping coax your body to move everything into its right and proper position for optimal functioning.

If you’d like to know more about vertebral subluxation(s), you’d like to ask questions, and/or you’d like to know how chiropractic care can help you, please make an appointment at Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, MN, by calling 651-464-0800 or emailing info@lakewoodschiropractic.com.

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Lakewoods Chiropractic
Lakewoods Chiropractic
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SALLY DETLEFSEN
SALLY DETLEFSEN
September 26, 2022.
I am amazed at how much better I feel since coming to Lakewoods. The doctors and staff are amazing.
Lukas Drayna
Lukas Drayna
September 21, 2022.
Great friendly staff. They focus on the target area’s to ensure your body is happy and healthy !
Michael F.
Michael F.
September 13, 2022.
Lakewoods Chiropractic is awesome. Friendly, welcoming, and professional Environment. They make you feel comfortable. Definitely recommend Lakewoods. I'm well on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work.
tone2403
tone2403
August 30, 2022.
Definitely recommend Lakewoods. When I went in I was in very rough shape. After a few weeks of adjustments I'm feeling better then ever. Great staff and very knowledgeable. They take the time to really make you understand the process.
Eric Russell
Eric Russell
August 25, 2022.
Jason and his staff are the best. Since my 1st visit, they always informed on your progress and had your health as #1 priority.
Angel L Colon Jr
Angel L Colon Jr
August 11, 2022.
Excellent service, friendly accommodating staff. Awesome family friendly services. Highly recommend!!!
Carrie Davis
Carrie Davis
August 3, 2022.
By far the best chiropractor I’ve ever used. They customize a plan just for you and don’t use a one size fits all approach. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!! Thank you!!!
Justin W
Justin W
July 28, 2022.
Great place!
Jennifer Thelen
Jennifer Thelen
July 21, 2022.
I have been experiencing low back pain for at least 10 rememberable years and decided on a whim to try chiropractic care at Lakewoods. I had never been to a chiropractor before so I had no expectations that it would work or not but after just my first adjustment I had instant relief for the first time in 10 years. I have since been super impressed with how everything has been explained to me and how my care plan has been formed. The staff are all very kind and have been very helpful as well!