Vertebral subluxation
The human spine comprises 24 freely movable individual vertebrae. A disc separates each vertebra and is supported by surrounding ligaments and muscles. The vertebral column is an extension of the brain and is protected by spine as it goes through the vertebral centre. This casing stops damage to the spinal chord. Nerves leave the spinal chord and travel to certain parts of the body
The brain supplies the nerve impulses, carrying critical data down the vertebral column. These impulses lave the spinal chord at certain points where they go to other parts of the body. The peripheral nerves leave the spinal cord via spaces between each vertebrae and travel to organs, glands, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, ligaments and bone. If you are treated and the vertebra are properly aligned, the nerve fibres can move freely and the impulses can travel unhindered.
Although the spine is a very strong structure, it is very flexible and it often doesn't take much for the vertebra to become misbalanced and affect the nervous system. This is known as vertebral subluxation.
What is the effect when a vertebra becomes misaligned (subluxated)?
When a vertebra becomes misaligned the opening above and below it is narrowed. The vertebra can press on the nerve as it leaves and which is most commonly referred to as trapped nerve or slipped disc. The subluxated vertebrae block the energy and electrical impulses from traveling efficiently to the rest of the body. This can result in feelings of pain, weakness, pins and needles, dysfunction, aching, shooting pains or cramping. However, the incidence of subluxation can often go unnoticed until an event brings it to the fore. A spinal check is therefore very helpful even without an accident or symptoms.
