The best way to prevent vertebral subluxations is by doing core strengthening exercises along with maintaining good posture.
Vertebral subluxations are misalignments of the vertebrae in the spine that can cause pain and other health issues. Fortunately, following a few simple tips can keep your spine healthy and reduce your risk of developing vertebral subluxations.
Some of these tips include maintaining good posture, exercising regularly to strengthen your core muscles, avoiding activities that involve repetitive motions or excessive force on the back or neck, using ergonomic furniture when possible, and taking breaks throughout the day to rest your back.
In this post, we’ll give you all the information you need to know, as well as tips on how to deal with vertebral subluxations and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
An Overview of Vertebral Subluxations
Vertebral subluxations are the misalignment of spinal vertebrae in your spine, which can cause pain and other possible health issues.
This happens when the vertebrae move too far out of their proper alignment or if surrounding muscles and ligaments do not adequately support them.
A variety of factors, including poor posture, accidents or injuries, repetitive motions, and excessive force on the back or neck can cause the condition.
The Different Types of Subluxation
As with many medical conditions, there is more than one type. Go through our checklist to find the one that’s most closely related to what you have.
Subluxation of the Shoulder
Shoulder subluxation occurs when the shoulder becomes partially or completely dislocated from its normal position. A variety of factors, including muscle weakness, improper lifting, and trauma to the shoulder joint, can cause it. Symptoms of a shoulder subluxation include pain in the shoulder area and limited range of motion.
Subluxation of the Spine
Spinal subluxations occur when there is misalignment of the vertebrae in your spine. A spine issue like this can lead to pain, stiffness, and other problems with your posture or mobility.
Poor posture, accidents or injuries, repetitive motions, and excessive force on the back or neck can cause spinal subluxations.
Subluxation of the Knee
Knee subluxation occurs when the knee becomes partially or completely dislocated. This can be caused by muscle weakness, trauma to the joint, or a sudden twisting motion. Symptoms of a knee subluxation include pain in the knee area and limited range of motion.
The Signs of Vertebral Subluxation
If you’re dealing with vertebral subluxation, you will have at least one of the symptoms you find below.
Pain or Discomfort
A vertebral subluxation can cause considerable discomfort in the affected area. Those suffering from vertebral subluxation often experience increased pain when activities such as walking, bending, or stretching are undertaken.
The pain can range from a mild ache to sharp, stabbing sensations that can radiate throughout the spine and down other parts of the body. In some cases, people with vertebral subluxations may even experience numbness or tingling in the area.
Symptoms like these are caused by nerves being compressed by bones or other tissues during subluxated states. Fortunately, proper management and chiropractic treatments can significantly reduce or eliminate this discomfort for many patients.
Decreased Range of Motion
Reduced range of motion can be caused by tightness, stiffness, and pain associated with vertebral subluxations. Depending on the severity of their condition, people may experience difficulty or an inability to bend, twist, or turn their spine to certain degrees.
People may also experience a reduced range of motion when trying to lift items or perform other activities due to the tightening of muscles and ligaments in the affected area.
Your Muscles Might Be Stiff
Tight muscles occur typically due to the body trying to protect itself from further injury and the stiffness caused by the misalignment of vertebrae.
A decreased range of motion and flexibility will often accompany this problem and can limit activities such as sports and other physical activities.
Numbness and Tingling Sensations
When vertebrae are misaligned, they can often put pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause numbness or tingling in the area and may even radiate along other parts of your body.
Sometimes, a nerve is compressed or stretched due to subluxation. Fortunately, chiropractic treatments and regular maintenance can help to reduce or eliminate any numbness or tingling associated with vertebral subluxations.
You May Have Headaches
Migraines and headaches are typically caused by irritation of the nerves in the affected area and tension and tightness in muscles around the neck. Headaches are usually more frequent when performing activities that involve bending or sitting for long periods of time.
You’re Tired
If you’re tired, it could be because of the extra strain put on your body by the misalignment and the tightness and stiffness in muscles around the area. Additionally, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort from vertebral subluxations, this may also contribute to fatigue.
Gastro-Intestinal Issues
Vertebral subluxations can also cause digestive issues. This is usually due to the compression of nerves in the area, which may interfere with the proper functioning of your digestive system. It is important to note that these symptoms are not typically associated with vertebral subluxation and should be evaluated by a medical professional if experienced.
Vertebral Subluxations – Root Problems
Conditions like this don’t happen by accident. There is always something that causes the issue. Let’s take a look at some of the concerns that may lead to vertebral subluxation.
Bad Posture
Poor posture is one of the most common causes of vertebral subluxations. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time with incorrect alignment can lead to misaligned vertebrae in the spine and neck, which can then cause subluxations.
Physical Injury
Some sort of trauma is another cause of vertebral subluxations. This can include falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or any other incident that puts direct force or pressure on the spine.
Repetitious Movements
Repetitive actions such as lifting heavy objects or sitting in incorrect positions for extended periods can also worsen the condition. These motions can cause the muscles and ligaments to become overstretched or strained, which may lead to misalignment of vertebrae in the spine.
Natural Degeneration
Vertebral subluxations can also be caused by the natural degeneration of bones and tissues in the spine due to aging. This process is known as spondylosis, which can lead to a misalignment of the spine and neck vertebrae.
Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation may cause swelling and tightness in the affected area, causing misalignment of vertebrae.
A Bad Diet
Poor nutrition, especially inadequate calcium intake, can also contribute. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles, and its deficiency can lead to weak bones, which are more susceptible to VS.
Mental Stress
Muscles in the body may become tense and tight due to emotional stress. Paying attention to your emotional health is essential, as it plays an important role in maintaining proper spinal alignment.
You Can Be Born With It
Birth trauma can also be a cause of vertebral subluxations. The spine and neck may experience significant strain during childbirth. It is important to seek medical attention if your child has been diagnosed with a birth injury related to vertebral subluxations.
Preventing Vertebral Subluxations
Most of the causes of VS are preventable. Here are some ways you can keep it from happening.
Mobility Work
Range of motion exercises are a great way to help prevent vertebral subluxations. These exercises help to keep your muscles and joints flexible and improve the range of motion in your spine. Additionally, they can also help to reduce stiffness, which may be a contributing factor in misalignment.
Fix Your Posture
Proper posture helps to keep the spine aligned and reduces strain on the muscles and ligaments. Incorporating posture-correcting exercises into your daily routine may help you maintain proper alignment.
Work That Core
Strong core muscles help to support the spine and reduce strain, which helps to keep the vertebrae in proper alignment. Incorporating core-strengthening exercises into your daily routine may help you maintain a healthy spine.
Manage Stress Better
Stress can cause tense muscles that may lead to spine misalignment, so paying attention to your emotional health and practicing stress-reduction activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can play a valuable role.
Vertebral Subluxations – Treatment Options
VS is not a death sentence, and it’s usually treatable. Many of these things you can do entirely on your own.
Get More Exercise
Walking and exercising can help to reduce the discomfort caused by vertebral subluxations. Gentle stretching, swimming, and aerobic exercises help to stretch tight muscles and improve range of motion in the spine, which helps to reduce pain.
Eat Healthy
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and other essential nutrients helps promote strong bones and muscles, which are necessary for maintaining proper spine alignment.
Strong Body, Strong Mind
Mind-body treatments such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi can also help to reduce discomfort caused by vertebral subluxations. These gentle exercises help to relax tight muscles, improve range of motion in the spine, and promote emotional well-being.
Look Into Massage Therapy
Massage helps to relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, which can help to reduce pain and discomfort. It can also help to improve range of motion in the spine.
Rest and Recovery
Rest and medication may be necessary for some cases of vertebral subluxations. Taking anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant medications can help to reduce pain and discomfort. Additionally, getting adequate rest can promote healing in the spine.
Surgery
In some cases, joint surgery may be necessary. This type of surgery is a last resort and is usually reserved for severe cases of misalignment that cannot be corrected with other treatments.
Closed Reduction Is an Option
Closed reduction is a procedure that can be used to realign vertebrae that are out of place. During the process, gentle pressure is applied to the spine to reduce misalignment and restore proper alignment.
Wear a Neck Brace
Immobilization can help to keep the spine in proper alignment, which helps to reduce pain and discomfort. It should only be used as directed by a qualified professional.
FAQ
Can vertebral subluxation be cured?
Vertebral subluxation cannot be cured but can be managed with the right treatment plan. Incorporating lifestyle changes such as posture-correcting exercises, core muscle strengthening, and stress management into your daily routine can help prevent vertebral subluxations.
Where do you stabilize to prevent subluxations?
Building core strength and learning proper posture can prevent vertebral subluxations. Strengthening the abdominal muscles, back extensors, and glutes can help to stabilize the spine and reduce the risk of misalignment.
What causes subluxation of the vertebrae?
Subluxation of the vertebrae is a condition in which one or more of the bones that make up the spinal column become misaligned. It can be caused by muscle spasms, repetitive motions from daily activities like carrying heavy bags, or an underlying posture issue such as poor sitting or standing posture.
It can also be caused by injuries such as whiplash or sports injuries, or accidents like slips and falls. Subluxation occurs when something causes a misalignment in the spine, resulting in pain and discomfort in affected areas.
What are the solutions for subluxation?
The solutions for subluxation vary depending on the individual and the severity of the misalignment. Common approaches to treating vertebral subluxations include lifestyle changes such as posture-correcting exercises, core muscle strengthening, stress management, dietary changes, walking and exercising, mind-body treatments such as yoga or meditation, massage therapy, and rest.
How to fix subluxation of the spine?
Subluxation of the spine is a healthcare condition that can be addressed through chiropractic treatments. A chiropractor will assess the affected area, usually through X-rays, to determine the best course of action for treatment. Treatments might include manual manipulation and adjustments to correct the subluxation and restore range of motion.
Other treatments might include physical therapy exercises and massage. With a tailored plan and timely attention, reducing or even completely eliminating the symptoms associated with a subluxation problem is possible.
How to fix subluxation neck?
Subluxation of the neck can be addressed through chiropractic treatments. Some chiropractors also recommend using a neck brace to support the affected area while it heals. Additionally, avoiding activities that can worsen the condition, such as lifting heavy objects or sudden jerky movements, is essential.
Spinal subluxation exercises
Spinal subluxation exercises help restore the spine’s natural alignment and reduce pain and discomfort. Activities can include stretching, strengthening exercises for core muscles such as the abdominals, back extensors, glutes, and posture-correcting exercises.
Yoga is also particularly effective in helping to strengthen core muscles and improve posture.
How to fix subluxation of the shoulder?
The first step for any shoulder subluxation is rest, as activity will only further irritate the issue. Following rest, physical therapy and exercises such as arm circles can help strengthen the goal area and improve mobility.
Padding around the shoulder can help to reduce discomfort further and make movement easier. Depending on the subluxation’s severity, medications such as ibuprofen or muscle relaxers might be necessary to reduce inflammation and pain.
