A new subluxation can form in under 24 hours if the right conditions are met. And that’s what we’ll discuss here today. You should know how quickly these subluxations can form so that you can take steps to prevent them from occurring.
The speed at which new subluxations form depends on elements such as age, activity level, posture habits, and overall health.
Can this happen to you? Can you be born with it? What do you do after they happen? Stick around for everything you need to know about subluxations.
Subluxation – A Brief Overview
Subluxation is the misalignment of vertebrae in your spine which can result in pain and discomfort. Various factors, including poor posture, increased physical activity without proper preparation, and age-related degeneration cause it.
Symptoms of subluxation include localized pain or stiffness in the back or neck area. If left untreated, subluxations can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and further complications.
Some Examples
For example, if you suddenly increase your physical activity without taking proper precautions such as stretching or strengthening exercises beforehand, it could lead to a new subluxation forming rapidly due to muscle strain or improper spine alignment.
Similarly, poor posture over long periods of time can also contribute to developing a subluxation more quickly than normal.
What Are the Types of Subluxations?
This issue leads to a wide array of health problems. Misalignments can be caused by different variants, such as trauma, physical or emotional stress, poor posture, and lifestyle habits.
One type of subluxation is unilateral, which affects one side of the joint and results in partial motion loss. This can produce intense pain and joint instability, causing a decrease in mobility.
Additionally, bilateral subluxations are misalignments that affect both sides of the joint resulting in a reduction of the normal range of motion as well as discomfort.
Lastly, rotational subluxations occur when one vertebra turns out of alignment, which can trigger pain to spread throughout your body, leading to neurological disturbance and vertebral displacement. Keep reading below as we break it down even more to help you understand what’s happening with your body.
It Could Be a Partial Dislocation
A partial dislocation is when two adjacent vertebrae are partially out of alignment or misaligned. This type of subluxation can cause pain and tension in the affected area, as well as a decrease in mobility.
Potential for a Connective Tissue Injury
Connective tissue injuries are caused by damage to the connective tissues that hold the vertebrae together. It can result in instability, pain in the affected area, and decreased flexibility and range of motion.
Maybe It’s a Traumatic Dislocation
Traumatic dislocation is a type of subluxation caused by an injury or trauma to the spine. This can cause severe pain, difficulty in movement, and a decreased range of motion.
One of the Most Common – Vertebral Subluxations
This type of subluxation is often caused by poor posture, increased physical activity without proper preparation, age-related degeneration, or other factors. It can lead to chronic pain and further complications if left untreated.
Not Just in the Spine – Joint Subluxations Happen Often
Joint subluxations are misalignments of the joints in your spine, which can cause pain and discomfort. While different from a vertebra subluxation, it’s pretty much the same principle.
Chronic Subluxation – Yes, It Can Happen Again
Chronic subluxation is a type of subluxation that does not resolve itself quickly, or can recur even after treatment.
Complete Dislocations – Unpleasant Is an Understatement
Complete dislocation is a subluxation type involving two adjacent vertebrae becoming completely out of alignment. This can cause intense pain, and you may struggle to move even just a little bit.
What a Pain in the Back – Posterior Dislocation
A posterior dislocation occurs in the lower back. This can lead to chronic pain, difficulty in movement, and decreased range of motion.
Some of the Causes of Subluxations
Subluxations can be caused by a number of things, ranging from normal day-to-day wear and tear to more severe traumatic events.
Many believe that chronic stress, either arthritis or degenerative disc disease, and even sitting or standing in the wrong posture for long periods can cause the spine’s bones to move out of alignment, creating a misalignment or subluxation injury.
Athletes who do not warm up properly before vigorous physical activity have also suffered these types of injuries. Furthermore, some chiropractors think that genetics are responsible for causing subluxations – meaning if one’s family has a history of these injuries, they may be more likely to develop them themselves over time.
Injury – A Likely Cause
Trauma or injury is one of the most common causes of subluxations. This includes physical trauma such as a car accident, sports-related injuries, falls, and slips.
Repetitive strain – Especially in the Workplace
Repetitive strain is a type of subluxation caused by repetitive movements or motions that put an unnatural strain on certain muscles and tissues.
Examples of this include lifting heavy objects, playing certain sports, and using improper form when exercising. Over time, the repeated strain can cause subluxations to form.
Arthritis and Other Conditions
Degenerative conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, can also cause subluxations. As the body ages, it tends to lose strength and flexibility in certain areas, which can lead to misalignments of the vertebrae and joints.
Overstretched Ligaments
Ligament laxity is when the ligaments become overstretched, weakened, or torn. This can cause instability in the joints and vertebrae, leading to subluxations.
You Could Be Born With It
Congenital abnormalities, such as scoliosis, are a type of subluxation that is present from birth. These unfortunate conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility in the affected area.
Maybe It’s in Your Head!
Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, can also cause subluxations. These conditions can result in a decrease in strength and flexibility which can lead to misalignments of the vertebrae and joints.
Structural Abnormalities – It Could Be Natural
Structural abnormalities, such as curvature of the spine, can also cause subluxations. This type of abnormality affects the shape and structure of the spine, which can lead to misalignments in the vertebrae and joints.
What Are Some of the Symptoms of Subluxations?
Subluxation of the spine is a condition that can cause many symptoms to manifest. Commonly reported subluxation symptoms include difficulty with movement, sharp and intermittent pain, numbness or tingling sensations, and tenderness in the affected area.
If left untreated, subluxation of the spine can lead to a reduced range of motion, chronic discomfort, and loss of physical performance.
It’s essential for individuals experiencing any of these symptoms to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis to discuss appropriate treatment options.
Proper management is essential to reduce long-term risks and take a proactive approach to maintaining spinal health.
You’re Experiencing Severe Pain
Severe pain is one of the most common symptoms of subluxations. Discomfort can be localized to the affected area, or it can spread to other areas, such as the shoulders and arms.
Unexplainable Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms also frequently occur with subluxations. This can cause tightness and pain in the affected area as well as decreased range of motion.
How Are New Subluxations Diagnosed?
Diagnosing new subluxations involves carefully evaluating a person’s anatomy and movement. In some cases, physical manifestations of the subluxation can be observed through imaging techniques such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans.
In other cases, doctors use manual examination to observe how a person’s range of motion and body mechanics are affected by pain.
By both utilizing diagnostic imaging and hands-on observation, doctors can accurately identify areas where the spine has been compromised through injury or improper movement patterns.
Once the areas with new subluxations have been identified, treatment plans can be tailored to address the underlying health issues causing discomfort and instability in the back or neck.
Get a Physical
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing new subluxations. During this exam, your doctor will assess your range of motion and check for any signs of misalignments or instability in the affected area.
An MRI Will Usually Find Them
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is often used to diagnose new subluxations. This imaging technique uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures, which can help identify misalignments or instability in the affected area.
A Simple Range of Motion Test
Range of motion tests are used to assess the flexibility and strength of a joint or muscle.
During these tests, your doctor will ask you to move the affected area in various directions and note any limitations or difficulty with movement.
Testing like this are some of the best ways to identify misalignments or instability which may be causing subluxations.
New Subluxations – Options for Treatment
Treatment for a new subluxation typically involves physical therapy to reduce muscle tension that may be contributing to the discomfort, chiropractic adjustments to realign the vertebrae, and therapeutic strengthening exercises to help maintain mobility.
In some cases, doctors may suggest medications for pain relief and inflammation. However, many patients respond positively to conservative treatments alone.
Treating a new subluxation aims to restore function and mobility while minimizing symptoms like pain and discomfort. With a tailored treatment plan from their healthcare provider, many patients see a dramatic improvement in their quality of life as they recover from the condition.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Reduction or manipulation is a treatment for subluxations that involves gently pushing the affected area back into its proper alignment. Manipulations can be performed with hands-on techniques such as massage, chiropractic adjustments, and sometimes physical therapy exercises.
Bracing
Immobilization, also known as bracing, is a subluxation treatment involving wearing a brace or splint to keep the affected area properly aligned. This can help reduce pain and prevent further misalignment.
Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy for new subluxations involves exercises and stretches to help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area. This can help reduce pain and prevent new subluxations from forming.
Surgery – The Last Resort
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat subluxations. Invasive procedures can involve fusing vertebrae together or correcting structural abnormalities in the spine.
Some People Benefit From Meds
Medications, such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants, can also help reduce pain associated with subluxations and prevent new subluxations from forming.
FAQ
When does subluxation begin?
Subluxations can begin at birth or can develop later in life due to injury, neurological conditions, or structural abnormalities.
What causes frequent subluxations?
Frequent subluxations can be caused by multiple components, such as muscle weakness, poor posture, repetitive motions, or underlying neurological conditions.
Can a subluxation get worse?
Yes, a subluxation can worsen over time if it is not treated correctly. If you are experiencing pain or difficulty with movement, it is important to speak to your doctor about treatment options as soon as possible.
How do you know if you’ve had a subluxation?
The most common symptom of a subluxation is pain and a restricted range of motion. If you are experiencing either of these symptoms, speaking to your doctor about treatment options as soon as possible is essential.
Subluxation VS. dislocation
Subluxations and dislocations both refer to the misalignment of a joint.
The main difference between them is that the joint surfaces remain partially in contact with subluxation, while with dislocation, they become completely separated. Dislocations are usually more severe and require immediate medical attention.
