Dr. Speizer uses this term to describe what happens when spinal bones lose their normal position and motion from stress, trauma, or chemical imbalances.

Because our vertebra protect this primary nerve which is channeled through the spinal column, even a small disturbance to the spine can profoundly affect delicate nerve tissue. In turn, this impairment to the nervous system can cause tissues and organs throughout the body to function poorly. This degenerative chain reaction which accompanies the vertebral subluxation complex is at the root of many health problems.

Instead of just treating symptoms, your chiropractor's goal is to detect, reduce and prevent the vertebral subluxation complex.

THE VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATION COMPLEX 
IS RECOGNIZED BY ITS FIVE PARTS

Spinal Kinesiopathology: The bones of the spine lose their normal motion and position, often limiting your ability to turn and bend. This happens when spinal joints become "stuck", not moving enough, or moving too much. This condition sets in motion the other four components.

Neuropathophysiology: Sensitive nerve tissues are squeezed, rubbed, stretched, twisted or scraped by malfunctioning spinal joints. The resulting irritation interrupts normal nerve communication pathways causing nerves to "mis-fire." Often this is accompanied by symptoms of numbness, burning, or a "pin and needles" feeling in other parts of the body.

Myopathology: Muscles supporting the spine are impaired from too much or too little nerve supply. This can cause muscle to weaken, atrophy, or tighten and go into spasm. The fibrotic scar tissue resulting from this permanently changes the muscle's elasticity. This explains why repeated spinal adjustments are often necessary and why long-standing problems take so much time to correct.

Histopathology: Discs, ligaments, and other connective tissue are also affected by spinal joint malfunction. A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies in the affected area results in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissue may suffer permanent damage.

Pathophysiology: Responding to malfunctioning spinal joints, the body grow new bone in an attempt to stabilize and fuse the joint. The resulting spinal degeneration, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can also cause other systems of the body to malfunction. Many health conditions seemingly unrelated to "back problem" can often be traced back to nervous system impairment involving the spine.

Years of education, training, and experience guide Dr. Speizer in diagnosing this condition.

After reviewing your health history, your chiropractor will give you a physical exam. A series of orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic tests will be performed to determine the extent of your problems. These may include asking you to bend and turn to test your range of motion, palpation tests to check for tenderness, pain, and swelling. 

When needed, lab tests or x-rays of your spine may also be taken. After positively diagnosing this condition, Dr. Speizer will prescribe a course of treatment to reduce the vertebral subluxation complex and prevent further damage.

TREATMENT LEAD TO RECOVERY

Restoring the 24 moving bones of the spine to normal position and motion removes the causes of many health problems, not just the symptoms.

Dr. Speizer's primary tool in treating the vertebral subluxation complex is the use of manipulation or spinal adjustments. By applying precisely directed force to the joint that is out of position or not moving properly it is gradually restored to a more normal position and function. Depending on what is required by your individual condition, the doctor's hands or a special instrument may be used to deliver quick, therapeutic thrust to the affected joint. Other adjustments may require slow, constant pressure.

Dr. Speizer may also recommend a program which includes strengthening and flexibility exercises, hot or cold compresses, massage, traction, and even diet, relaxation, and behavior modification.