Subluxation and Stress

Stress management image.

You often hear the expression "subluxation" in our practice – but do you really know what it means? More important - do you know what causes it?

Subluxation occurs when one or more of your spinal bones (vertebrae) lose their proper position and compromise the function of nearby spinal nerves and soft tissues. This pressure causes the nerves to lose their ability to work properly and affects the parts of the body that they control. Bottom line - your body cannot fully function because the affected nerves cannot send (or receive) signals from the brain and carry them to the affected body part.

What causes subluxation? There are a variety of physical, chemical and emotional stresses. Some physical stressors include:

  • Birth process
  • Injury from a fall
  • Poor posture
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Improper rest
  • Shoveling or raking
  • Extreme sports
  • Car accidents
  • Obesity
  • Inherited spinal condition

Chiropractors are specifically trained to locate and reduce subluxation. We do this by delivering specific spinal adjustments that help your body restore proper spinal biomechanics and “right” itself.

Regular chiropractic care helps maintain the integrity of your spine and nervous system, and allows us the opportunity to reduce subluxation and make sure your body can perform the way it was designed.

Dr. Bowman Asks some important questions of interest to West Des Moines residents - Chiropractor West Des Moines Dr. Bowman Asks...

Will chiropractic adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are fixated and "locked up" receive attention. The occasional spinal joint that moves too much is passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can strengthen and heal.
What causes subluxations?
Chiropractors acknowledge three types of stress: physical, chemical and emotional. When the adaptive capacity of your body is compromised, weakened areas along the spine can become involved. Muscles tighten, spinal joints lock up and nearby nerves are affected. The purpose of chiropractic care is to find these areas and restore balance, alignment and motion.