Subluxations

There are several definitions for subluxation, depending on what medical discipline your reference. A medical subluxation is a partial or incomplete dislocation of a joint and typically requires a procedure to relocate the joint, often surgical and always by a medical doctor. A Chiropractic, or vertebral, subluxation is defined by the World Health Organization as "A lesion or dysfunction in a joint or motion segment in which alignment, movement integrity and/or physiological function are altered, although contact between joint surfaces remains intact. It is essentially a functional entity, which may influence biomechanical and neural integrity."

The difference we see is in both the definition and the treatment. In a medical sense, the subluxated joint is virtually non-funtional. In a Chiropractic sense, the subluxated joint is functional but at a reduced level. This reduction in function (mobility, alignment, etc.) is often disguised in the form of generalized pain that is made worse with movement.

The Chiropractic subluxation is treated with many approaches. At Green Chiropractic Clinic in San Francisco, Dr. Jacob uses three main approaches resolving subluxations and reducing the likelihood of recurrence. First is soft tissue work, which can be done by hand, with tools, or with physical therapy modalities such as heat or electricity, and serves to relax muscles that attach to bones between joints. Relaxing these muscles is a step to facilitate success with the second step, the Adjustment. The Adjustment is a rapid, controlled delivery of force into a joint which serves many functions. The Adjustment can be used to align a joint, to increase motion in joint, to induce relaxation in a group of surrounding muscles, or all of those. Finally, rehabilitation of the muscles is employed, which includes Adjustments, reconditioning of the muscles (stretching, strengthening, etc.), and diet. All treatments are customized to your specific medical need, but the Chiropractic subluxation, treated primarily with the Adjustment, is a safe, effective, and cost efficient way to treat most musculoskeletal complaints. In fact, the Chiropractic Adjustment has been shown in countless studies to be the most effective method of treatment in resolving issues such as low back pain, neck pain, and certain forms of headaches.