What Is Chiropractic Subluxation?
Chiropractic Subluxation is a term chiropractors use for altered spinal joint motion, alignment, or function that may affect movement and comfort. It does not mean a complete dislocation. Chiropractors assess this concept through the examination of posture, range of motion, joint movement, and related physical findings.
Quick Facts About Chiropractic Subluxation
Category
Chiropractic assessment concept
Used for
Describing altered spinal joint function
Common confusion
Not synonymous with complete dislocation
Also called
Vertebral subluxation
Often discussed with
Chiropractic Adjustment
Key Takeaways About Chiropractic Subluxation
- The term describes altered joint function, not a complete dislocation.
- Assessment considers movement, posture, and physical examination findings.
- Subluxation is not the same as a vertebral fracture or dislocation.
How Chiropractic Subluxation Works
Chiropractic Subluxation describes a change in how a spinal joint moves or functions. A chiropractor may consider the term when examination findings show restricted motion, uneven movement, postural change, or tenderness around a joint. The finding describes a functional concern and does not automatically indicate that a bone has moved out of place.
Related glossary terms: Range Of Motion, Cervical Spine, Lumbar Spine.
Assessment usually combines a health history with observation and hands-on examination. Range Of Motion testing shows how freely an area moves, while palpation helps identify changes in joint motion and tissue response. A Chiropractic Adjustment may be used when the examination supports care directed at improving joint movement. The term guides clinical assessment, but it does not replace a diagnosis based on the full examination.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor team
When we assess Chiropractic Subluxation, we review your history and examine posture, spinal motion, and areas of restricted movement. We use those findings to decide whether a Chiropractic Adjustment fits the functional problem identified during the examination.
Chiropractic Subluxation in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person develops limited neck movement after spending long hours at a computer. During an examination, the chiropractor finds uneven neck motion and related muscle tightness, then considers Chiropractic Subluxation as part of the assessment before selecting care.
Related Services
Related Terms
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the available movement at a joint, measured by how far a body…
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the vertebral column that supports the head and connects…
Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and…
Pelvic Alignment
Pelvic Alignment is the relationship among the pelvis, sacrum, hips, and lower spine as they support…
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Have Questions About Chiropractic Subluxation?
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