Subluxation and chiropractic manipulation

Defining subluxation - a chiropractic term

The term "subluxation" is used by chiropractors to depict the altered position of the vertebra and subsequent functional loss, which determines the location for the manipulative chiropractic treatment. "Subluxation" has been defined medically as "...a partial abnormal separation of the articular surfaces of a joint" (14). Chiropractors have described the term to include a complex of functions (i.e., the subluxation complex) as "…an alteration of the biomechanical and physiological dynamics of contiguous structures which can cause neural disturbances.

It is a process and not a static condition, a state of living tissue undergoing constant change. These changes include hyperemia, congestion, edema, minute hemorrhages, fibrosis, local ischemia, atrophy and eventually rigidity and adhesions which form not only in joint capsules, but also in ligaments, tendons and muscles themselves" (15).

Spinal subluxation in chiropractic

STATIC INTERSEGMENTAL SUBLUXATION

1. Flexion malposition

2. Extension malposition

3. Lateral flexion malposition

4. Rotation malposition

5. Anterolesthesis

6. Retrolesthesis

7. Altered Interosseous Spacing (increased or decreased)

8. Osseous Foraminal encroachment

KINETIC INTERSEGMENTAL SUBLUXATION

1. Hypomobility (fixation subluxation)

2. Hypermobility (unstable subluxation)

3. Aberrant motion (paradoxical motion)

SECTIONAL SUBLUXATION

1. Scoliosis and/or alteration of curves secondary to muscle imbalance

2. Scoliosis and/or alteration of curves secondary to structural asymmetries

3. Decompensation of adaptational curves

4. Abnormalities of motion

PARAVERTEBRAL SUBLUXATION

1. Costovertebral or costotransverse disrelationships

2. Sacroiliac subluxation

• Steven G. Yeomans, DC

June 21, 2001

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