Spinal subluxation often causes uncomfortable symptoms that can diminish a person's quality of life. Fortunately, a chiropractor can provide treatment to alleviate discomfort. If you suspect you're experiencing this disorder, here's what to know about it and how to correct it.

What Is Spinal Subluxation?

Subluxation is the misalignment or partial dislocation of joints anywhere in the body. However, they often affect the spinal vertebrae. That's because they frequently bend, twist, and flex, putting them more at risk of falling out of position. When subluxation develops, it causes changes to the vertebrae, nerves, muscles, and soft tissues, resulting in acute or chronic pain and discomfort. 

What Are the Causes and Symptoms?

Spinal subluxations often occur due to poor posture, including sitting for prolonged periods or sleeping in awkward positions. It can also result from lifting heavy items without the proper form, repeatedly carrying a heavy bag on the same shoulder, or physical trauma, like a car accident or fall. Even stress can cause the muscles along the spinal column to tense up, putting pressure on spinal joints and resulting in misalignment.

Spinal joints can block, pull, or irritate nearby nerve tissue once they move out of position. Misaligned vertebrae that put pressure on nerves can also adversely affect the surrounding soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments.

Common symptoms of subluxation include neck and back pain, headaches, and reduced range of motion. Along with tingling in the arms or legs, you could notice muscle tightness, weakness, or spasms. Additionally, discomfort associated with this disorder can cause sleep disruptions and difficulty focusing throughout the day.

How Is It Treated?

Chiropractic adjustments realign spinal vertebrae to correct subluxation. During an appointment, a trained chiropractor uses their hands or a special instrument to apply controlled force to the spinal joints. This technique can relieve compression and pressure on the vertebrae while improving the body's range of motion.

Over time, these adjustments can alleviate symptoms of subluxation. The number of treatments you'll need usually depends on the severity of the misalignment and the nature of your symptoms. You should also get plenty of rest between sessions to avoid straining the affected joint, which will help with recovery.

If you ever notice signs of spinal subluxation, visit Mid Rivers Chiropractic in Saint Peters, MO. Since 1979, this chiropractor has provided clients throughout Greater St. Charles County with treatment options for neck and back pain, including chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. Call (636) 279-1400 to book an appointment, and visit the website to learn how they can help you experience relief from pain and discomfort.