What is a Subluxation in Chiropractic Care?

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A subluxation is a misalignment of one or more vertebrae in your spine that can interfere with nerve function. In chiropractic care, we believe subluxations restrict your spine’s normal movement and may disrupt communication between your brain and body. This can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and other health issues. Chiropractors like Dr. Martinez identify and correct subluxations through adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment and nervous system function.

Understanding Spinal Misalignment

Your spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae, stacked on top of each other. Between each vertebra is a disc that acts like a cushion. Nerves run through the center of your spine, carrying messages from your brain to every part of your body. When one or more vertebrae shift out of their normal position, that’s a subluxation.

Subluxations happen for many reasons. Maybe you had a fall, played sports, got in a car accident, or even just slept wrong. Poor posture, stress, repetitive movements, and injuries can all cause vertebrae to move out of alignment. In children, subluxations can develop from birth trauma, falls during play, or sports injuries. The tricky part is that you might not feel pain right away—some people have subluxations without knowing it.

How Subluxations Affect Your Health

When vertebrae are misaligned, they can press on or irritate the nerves nearby. This nerve interference can cause pain in your neck, back, or other areas. But subluxations can affect more than just pain. Because your nervous system controls everything in your body—from digestion to immune function to sleep—nerve interference from subluxations might contribute to headaches, ear infections, digestive issues, or difficulty concentrating.

At River City Wellness, we focus on finding and fixing subluxations before they cause bigger problems. Our approach is especially important for kids and families because their bodies are still developing. Getting the spine aligned early can support healthy growth and prevent issues down the road.

How Chiropractors Treat Subluxations

During your first visit, Dr. Martinez will examine your spine carefully and may take X-rays to locate subluxations. Once we find them, we use specific adjustments—gentle movements that guide vertebrae back into proper position. For kids, these adjustments are very light and tailored to their age and size. As your spine heals and alignment improves, nerve function returns to normal, and your body can work the way it’s supposed to.

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[
{
“q”: “Can subluxations cause pain?”,
“a”: “Yes. Subluxations can irritate nerves and cause pain in your back, neck, shoulders, or other areas. Some people have subluxations without pain at first, but they can lead to discomfort or other problems over time.”
},
{
“q”: “Are subluxations common in children?”,
“a”: “Yes, children can develop subluxations from falls, sports injuries, or even the birth process. Early chiropractic care helps keep growing spines healthy and properly aligned.”
},
{
“q”: “How often do I need adjustments to fix a subluxation?”,
“a”: “It depends on your individual case. Dr. Martinez will create a treatment plan based on the severity of your subluxation, your age, and your health goals. Some people need a few visits, while others benefit from ongoing care.”
}
]
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