Vertebral subluxation is a chiropractic term that is used to describe myriad cryptogram and symptoms (syndrome) thought to occur as a result of a misaligned or dysfunctional spinal segment. Chiropractors believe that a subluxation complex is a functional biomechanical spinal lesion that can alter neurological gathering, which in turn, is believed to cause neuromusculoskeletal and visceral disorders. Officially, the WHO definition of the chiropractic vertebral subluxation is:

A lesion or dysfunction in a joint or motion segment in which alignment, movement integrity and/or physiological gathering are altered, although contact between joint surfaces remains intact. It is essentially a functional being, which may influence biomechanical and neural integrity.

The purported dislocation is not necessarily visible on X-ray This is in draw a distinction to the medical definition of spinal subluxation which, according to the WHO, is a “significant structural dislocation”, and therefore visible on X-rays.

The chiropractic vertebral subluxation complex has been a source of controversy and confusion since its inception in 1895 – with critics both surrounded by and outside the profession – due to its metaphysical origins and claims of far reaching effects. Although research into the significance of the chiropractic vertebral subluxation is ongoing, it generally does not have the support of mainstream medicine and is not based on levelheaded science.

In 2001 the Planet Federation of Chiropractic, representing the inhabitant chiropractic associations in 77 countries, adopted a consensus statement reaffirmed belief in the vertebral subluxation.

Official definition and current status

In 1996 a consensus definition of subluxation was formed. Cooperstein and Gleberzon have described the circumstances: “… although many in the chiropractic profession reject the concept of “subluxation” and shun the use of this term as a diagnosis, the presidents of at least a dozen chiropractic colleges of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges developed a consensus definition of “subluxation” in 1996. It reads:

“Chiropractic is concerned with the preservation and refurbishment of health, and focuses particular attention on the subluxation. A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system gathering and general health. A subluxation is evaluated, diagnosed, and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based on the best available rational and empirical evidence.”

In 2001 the Planet Federation of Chiropractic, representing the inhabitant chiropractic associations in 77 countries, adopted this consensus statement which reaffirms belief in the vertebral subluxation.

Components

Traditionally there have been 5 components that form the chiropractic subluxation. The vertebral subluxation complex is differentiated by the fifth component, general systemic disturbances secondary to the spinal misalignment (vertebral subluxation).

1. Spinal Kinesiopathology
2. Neuropathophysiology/Neuropathology
3. Myopathology
4. Histopathology
5. Pathophysiology/Pathology

Examination

Historically, the detection of spinal misalignments (subluxations) by the chiropractic profession has relied on X-ray findings and physical examination. At least 2 of the subsequent 4 physical cryptogram and/or symptoms must be documented to qualify for reimbursement:

  • Pain and tenderness
  • Asymmetry/misalignment
  • Range of motion abnormality
  • Tissue/tone changes

Background

It has been proposed that a vertebral subluxation can negatively affect general health by altering the neurological communication between the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. Although individuals may not always be indicative, straight chiropractors believe that the presence of vertebral subluxation is in itself justification for correction via spinal adjustment.

Chiropractic treatment of vertebral subluxation focuses on delivering a chiropractic adjustment which is a high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust to the dysfunctional spinal segments to help assess the chiropractic subluxation complex. Spinal manipulation is the primary procedure used by chiropractors in the adjustment. Manipulation has been shown to help with low back pain, neck pain and tension type headaches, but further studies are inconclusive on the use of spinal manipulation outside the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.

Source: Excerpts from Wikipedia (see full text and references)

Dr. Anthony DiMola
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