What You Need to Know About Subluxations
By Rachel Carver
Chiropractors -- licensed medical professionals -- are best known for treating back and joint pain with spinal adjustments. But chiropractic adjustments are used to treat many issues, including subluxations.
What Is a Subluxation?
A joint subluxation is a partial dislocation of a joint. Injuries such as repetitive motion over a long period of time can cause a subluxation. A chiropractor gently manipulates the bones back into position to correct a subluxation.
Symptoms
Common subluxation symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling around the joint
- Decreased mobility
- Loss of motion
- Temporary numbness
Subluxation Types
Multiple types of subluxation can occur throughout the body. Shoulders, elbows, and kneecaps commonly experience subluxation. Subluxation types include:
Vertebral subluxation - One or more of the spinal discs shifts, compressing the spinal cord and causing pain. A severe vertebral subluxation may result in temporary loss of nerve function.
Shoulder subluxation - The ball of the upper arm comes partially out of the shoulder blade socket, most often caused by severe injury or trauma. Repetitive motion increases the possibility of this subluxation.
Patellar subluxation - The kneecap starts to slide out of the groove at the end of the thigh bone. This is the most common knee problem in children and teens.
Elbow subluxation - Falling on to your hands may cause this subluxation. The elbow's range of motion bay still be in tact. This subluxation can cause a dull pain.
Causes
Joint trauma can cause subluxation. Our joints also become more susceptible to injury as we age. Blunt force injuries from sports or falls can also result in subluxation. Repetitive activities such as swinging a golf club can start subluxation development.
Treatment
Rest is the most important treatment. Taking it easy might be hard, but it is important to avoid stressing the subluxation. Elevate the injured joint, and apply ice throughout the day.
Some subluxations may require surgery, but this is very rare. Most can be treated naturally.
Cue chiropractic care. Chiropractors see subluxations too often. They are trained to fix the subluxation by gently manipulating vertebrae and joints. Chiropractic adjustments address the root cause of your pain, quickly getting you back to your life.
Don't suffer in silence with a subluxation. The Joint's affordable prices and walk-in visits make it easy to get the care you need on your schedule. Give The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you a try today. You will be glad you did!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.