What Causes a Vertebral Subluxation?
An outside force ( external invasive forces) overcomes the
resistance (internal resistive forces) of the body!
"If the body is so great and wonderful, as we say, why do we subluxate?
The body does have a tremendous ability to withstand the forces that subluxate the spine, but it does have its limitations. There are forces that we are subjected to every day, forces that our body is capable of handling. Every step of walking jolts the spine, but the body can easily absorb that force. Sitting down, putting our head on the pillow at night, bending over to tie our shoes, all subject the spine to a force and normally these are adapted by the body. The body contracts certain muscles during these activities that stabilize the vertebrae, preventing them from becoming subluxated. This action happens automatically, without any thought on our part.
However, there are certain forces that are non-adaptive, these overcome the body's ability to adapt to its surrounding environment. That our muscles have limitations in not a difficult concept to understand. Certain objects are just too heavy to lift.. That is a limitation of muscles.
Probably, the very first external force that created a subluxation in your spine was during your own birth. Even a natural, uncomplicated delivery creates stress upon a child's spine (also the mother's). Under normal circumstances the baby's spine is able to handle this stress. However, during some deliveries the mother is not ready, not in the best position to deliver, or the doctor pulls and twists the baby's neck. These forced can cause a subluxation in the spine. A newborn's muscles are not strong enough to handle these forces. This subluxation can remain for years. And if they're not subluxated at birth, surely he or she may become subluxated as they are handled by everybody, passed from relative to relative. Also, when learning to stand and walk they may fall twenty times a day, constantly introducing forces into their small spines. They fall out of bed, off the coach, off their bicycles, while rollerblading, running and playing. Some kids are playing contact sports even at the age of seven! Children are constantly subjected to external invasive forces. Every child should have their spine checked regularly from birth onward.
Forces that subluxate.
Physical forces are the most easily understood and most well
known.
* Falls, car accidents, other traumas are the most common.
* Contact sports, too much exercise, too little exercise.
* Twists, lifting, jolts, etc.
The force of these traumas will overcome the stabilizing work of muscles, ligaments and the natural tendency of the spine to remain in its proper position.
Another physical trauma, which is not easily understood is subliminal, constant
trauma. The constant physical stress to which the body is daily
subjected, which usually are imperceptible.
* sitting or standing too long
* The mail carrier who walks eight hours a day with a bag of heavy mail on one
shoulder.
* Sitting at a computer all day with you head bent forward.
* bending over an automobile engine, sitting in a cab or truck all day.
* Sleeping incorrectly
* Swinging a hammer all day,or a paintbrush all day.
* Some sports such as Golf, Tennis, racquetball and other
"one-armed" activities as well as
common, everyday occurrences ( sitting the same way, kids wearing
back-packs, carrying
your purse on the same shoulder, etc...)
Most occupations today and even most sports involve one or two repetitive activities. These can lead to vertebral subluxations if the body does not have the capacity to adapt.
Chemical forces. The chemicals (poisons) that we put into our bodies affect every tissue and cell in our body including our nervous system and muscles. The food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe are all laden with chemical substances. It is an accepted fact that a chemical can affect the tone of muscles. Remember that the alignment of the spinal segments is dependent upon muscle tone. Lack of calcium, for example, can cause muscle spasm. Other examples:
* build up of lactic acid (by product from muscle exertion)
* Drugs - recreational and prescription
* air pollution
* chemicals in tap water, coffee, sodas
* pesticides in our soil, in fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.
* preservatives, additives in packaged and processed foods
The body has a delicately balance chemistry. Anything that upsets this chemistry can
upset muscle tone and cause a subluxation.
The causes of a chemical imbalance in the body that can cause
subluxation are numerous. Even if chemicals are taken into the body in small
quantities, they will do damage even though not perceived or noticed. The damaging
effects of these chemicals may be cumulative, that is, they may build up. While it is true
that the body has the ability to eliminate some of the poisons, the body is limited in
that ability and damage must occur. Reflex mechanisms in the nervous system
can cause muscles to contract and can lead to a subluxation.
Emotional forces. Our society's lifestyle has caused the emotional factor to be one of the most important factors causing subluxations today. We live in a fast-paced, tension-filled society. If you have ever been in a tense or emotional situation, you can remember how the muscles in the back of your neck and across your shoulders tightened. This muscle tension can cause a vertebra to subluxate. Emotional problems and conditions will also affect our delicate body chemistry which will in turn affect our spines. Other examples;
* Job related stresses
* Family stress
* Relationships
* Finances
* Commuting to work
* Not enough free time
* Out of balance
Each of the above three external forces can cause subluxation. But the real danger
is that they have a cumulative effect upon the body and cause subluxations without the
individual realizing that they are factors in decreasing their health.
Most subluxations are caused by some combination of the
three. A slight physical trauma, which would ordinarily not cause a subluxation,
does so because of muscle tension due to emotional factors. Normal stress and strain
of daily life may cause muscles that are full of toxins and chemicals to allow
subluxations to occur. With all the stresses, physical traumas, and emotional
tension as well as the poisons are bodies are subjected to each day, it's not
difficult to see how the spine can become subluxated.
Regular chiropractic care is essential for optimum health. a properly functioning
nervous system enables the body to reach its full health potential in
restoring and maintaining health as well as enhancing other areas of life such as job
performance, schooling, and athletics.