Accidents and injuries, large or small can cause a spinal malfunction known to science as a Vertebral Subluxation.
When a Vertebral Subluxation is present many damaging changes can occur in the spine, as well as the organs and tissues controlled by the affected nerves. These changes are categorised by five major interrelated components.
- Spinal kinesiopathology - the abnormal (restricted or excessive) movement of the structures of the spine as well as abnormal posture or alignment of the vertebra.
- Neuropathophysiology - the damage to the nerves - stretching, pinching or irritating - interfering with normal function of the nerves and the organs and tissues supplied by them.
- Myopathology - the changes in muscle such as weakness or spasm.
- Histopathology - the alterations in soft tissues, such as discs (bulging or herniation), and ligaments (inflammation and swelling) and the changes in the blood supply and drainage.
- Pathophysiology - the cumulative, degenerative damage to the vertebrae (bone spurs) as it tries to stabilize the area of the spine. Further affecting the organs and other tissues of the body.
The primary job of the Doctor of Chiropractic is to detect, correct and help prevent the Vertebral Subluxation. This is achieved using Chiropractic Adjustments as the primary form of care. Applying a carefully and precisely directed force exerted by hand to the spine, the Doctor of Chiropractic is able to restore normal motion and alignment to the spine, thereby reducing or eliminating the Vertebral Subluxation and its effects.
