What is a Chiropractor?
What separates doctors of chiropractic from other healthcare professionals is that chiropractors are the only doctors trained to diagnose and treat spinal subluxations. Subluxation is Latin for “slight” (sub) and “to dislocate” (luxare), meaning a slight misalignment of the bones of the spine or extremity. The reduction of normal mechanical function of the joints produces stress of the surrounding muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs and other soft tissue resulting in the production of pain and inflammation. Adjustment of the spine or extremity is the restoration of the misaligned bone to its normal position resulting in a return of normal function and range of motion to the segments involved. There are several components to the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC).
Bone
The vertebra or joint is out of position and not moving properly producing an irritation of the spinal nerve or surrounding soft tissue and resulting in a decreased range of motion.
Nerve
The compression of a nerve by the bone, decreases the nerve flow to all the tissues supplied by that specific nerve. The disruption of flow results in pain, reduction of control and malfunction of target organ or tissue.
Muscle
Nerves control muscle function. Nerve irritation or compression can produce muscle spasms or cramping of the target muscle or tissue. The increased tension of the muscle or “muscle resistance” produces a restriction or pulling of the attached vertebrae or bone farther out of position.
Soft Tissue
The VSC causes change in tendons, ligaments and even blood supply to the involved target tissue or organ resulting in diminished flow of nutrients and other chemical products needed for proper function or healing after an injury.
Chemical
The production and release of inflammatory chemicals caused by the subluxation increasing the discomfort of the target area.
