Spinal Subluxation
Spinal subluxation refers to a misalignment of the bones in your spine, which are known as the vertebrae. In other words, the vertebrae can assume abnormal positions. This can occur over time due to issues like bad posture, or it may occur suddenly as the result of a car accident or similar trauma.
If you suspect that you may have a spinal subluxation, a doctor or chiropractor may use X-rays or other imaging techniques to try to detect any abnormalities and make a definitive diagnosis. However, spinal subluxation can cause symptoms that you may notice. Some are obvious, while others may be more subtle.
The following signs do not necessarily mean that you have a spinal subluxation, as other conditions may cause similar symptoms. When you experience pain and symptoms, it is always a good idea to have an evaluation from a licensed health care provider.
Obvious Symptoms
The following symptoms are among those that are most recognizable because they affect the spine directly. Again, spinal subluxation is only one of several possible causes, but each of the following signs warrants further evaluation
Decreased Range of Motion
A spinal subluxation may cause pain that makes it difficult to move freely. As a result, you may find it difficult to bend over as far as you used to, twist your spine from side to side, move your neck, etc.
Headaches
Spinal subluxation can result in a particular type of headache known as a tension headache. The malalignment of your vertebrae can cause pressure to build up at the base of the skull. This pressure can result in headaches.
Back Pain
Pain from spinal subluxation can range anywhere from moderate to severe. It usually comes on gradually and can occur in the neck as well.
Subtle Symptoms
The following symptoms are more subtle. They do not always occur in the area of the spine so it may be more difficult to recognize that subluxation may be the cause.
Muscle Atrophy
If you experience pain when using your muscles, you may avoid any motion or activity that provokes discomfort. Lack of use can cause the muscles to grow weaker and start wasting away.
Edema
This is swelling that is caused by fluid buildup in the soft tissues. It can result from leaking of the blood vessels due to pressure.
Fibrosis
Fibrosis occurs when scar tissue develops and starts to replace your normal muscle tissue.
Troubling symptoms such as these warrant an evaluation to determine whether they are caused by a subluxation or another abnormality. Contact a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Silver Spring, MD, for more information today.
Thank you to the experts at AmeriWell Clinics for their input into chiropractic care.
