A question I get asked a lot…

First of all what is a subluxation?? 

In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.

How does this affect you? Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their innate abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly.

It is the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to locate subluxations, and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations.

So again? What causes these subluxations to occur… it’s really simple actually… it’s stress! Physical, chemical and emotional stress. 

Chemical Stress

Chemical stress refers to an imbalance of chemicals in the body, which in turn affects the body’s ability to function efficiently. The main causes of chemical stress are either internal (diet, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, unnecessary prescription or over the counter medication) or external (environmental pollution, toxic chemicals in cleaning products, etc…). All of which have an effect on your spine and nervous system. 
Emotional Stress

Emotional stress is a little more self explanatory and unfortunately considered by many as a normal state of being. Work, family, relationships and city life can all be significant sources of stress which in turn can have an enormous effect on our body’s ability to function well.
Physical Stress

Physical stress is not always something drastic such as an injury or strain. One of the most damaging things to our bodies can be sitting down for long periods of time. Prolonged sitting can gradually alter the muscles in your back, resulting in misalignment of your spine and therefore disruption to your central nervous system.
Other physical stressors include repetitive lifting and bending, a full time athletic schedule or family related lifting, bending and chasing little ones.

I would love to answer any questions you may have! Be sure to like Yost Family Chiropractic on Facebook and even share this blog on your page if you know of anyone this information may help. I would love to answer any questions you may have so feel free to comment right here 🙂

Dr. Nicole Davis graduated from Logan University with not only her Doctorate in Chiropractic but her Bachelors in Life Sciences. After working with hundreds of clients a week in a busy Ohio Chiropractic clinic, she decided to head home to Des Moines to be closer to her family. She currently specializes in family wellness care with advanced training in pediatric and pregnancy care, working alongside 2 other doctors in the only Wellness Center in Iowa to offer Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Specialized Pediatric and Pregnancy Care as well as Functional Medicine. She loves spending time with family, friends and her dog, Maci. She is here to serve her community with love, support and enthusiasm.