What does vertebral subluxation mean to you?
The definition of a vertebral subluxation is:
"A set of signs and symptoms within the spinal column. It is when one or more bones of the spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves."
Defining what a vertebral subluxation is and what role it plays in the body is a key aspect of beginning your chiropractic profession. As pre-chiropractic undergraduate students we need to focus on the body and health of the vertebral column. We need to understand how a subluxation affects our bodies and will affect us all in the long run.
A subluxation is a misalignment of one or more vertebrae within the spine. This prevents your nerves from being able to fire the efferent signals out to the rest of your body from your brain. As many of you know, your brain and spinal cord make up your Central Nervous System (CNS).
From the brain stems the spinal cord, which has tons and tons of nerves running from it and to it. Everything you do in life creates signals that go to your spinal cord and then to your brain and from your brain to your spinal cord to the rest of your body. From there your brain will send out signals that help with movements and visceral functions. Your brain also houses your 12 cranial nerves that all have specific functions when it comes to movements of muscles, innervating muscles, as well as sensory receptors.
Above is a very simple and delicate explanation of what happens in the body when it comes to your brain and spinal cord, your CNS. Just imagine if some or just one of those nerves is pinched off or being interfered because of a misalignment of vertebrae? How do you think it would affect you in the long run if your brain wasn’t able to receive the afferent signals it needs from your organs/muscles, as well as the efferent signals it needs to send out to muscles, and sensory organs to function properly?
Educate yourself before going into the chiropractic profession. A lot of the time you will get shot down for being a “back cracker,” or a “quack,” but explain to people what a vertebral subluxation is and how it affects their overall health and the health of all human lives. This might just change their thoughts and minds about what chiropractors do.
If you have a story about how you were ever questioned on your understanding of a vertebral subluxation, let us know!!! We love to hear from all of you, and would love to share your thoughts in a blog!
