When a vertebra becomes misaligned or moves out of its normal position, this is referred to in the chiropractic profession as a subluxation or the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC). VSC can be caused by various issues, from a minor slip or bump to a car accident or sudden trauma. When a vertebra is subluxated, it puts pressure on nerves, blood vessels, and other surrounding structures.

The subluxation interrupts the natural nerve pathways that carry messages to and from the brain. In addition, as time goes by and the subluxation remains untreated, the spine and surrounding features, such as discs, can degenerate.

This degeneration becomes more difficult to reverse as time goes by, and the surrounding muscles, nerves, and bones begin to adjust to the new shape. Because the body is a remarkable machine, it will start accommodating these changes by compensating in other areas. The longer the subluxation is untreated, the longer it will take for treatment to return the vertebrae to their normal position.

A vertebral subluxation can be identified by its five components:

Chiropractors are experts in manipulating soft and hard tissue. Small, quick movements to the spine can reposition the vertebrae into their natural position. Through treatment, vertebral subluxation can be corrected back to healthy functionality.