Have you ever wondered how brightly your “lightbulb” is shining? It may seem like a strange question, but think of it this way: every person born into the world has a potential energy, like a bright lightbulb radiating health and vitality. In chiropractic terms, this light can be dimmed by something called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC), which interferes with the optimal function of our nervous system. Imagine your body as a 150-watt lightbulb—full of potential power—but, like a dimmer switch, various factors can reduce its brightness.
Understanding what a subluxation is and how it affects your body can help you reclaim that full power, restoring your health to its maximum potential.
What is a Subluxation?
In chiropractic care, a subluxation refers to a slight misalignment or malfunction of a spinal joint. This misalignment interferes with the nervous system by disrupting the communication between the brain and body, which can diminish how effectively your body functions. Chiropractors identify and adjust subluxations to restore alignment and nerve function, helping the body function optimally.
The Components of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC)
A subluxation may seem minor, but its effects are profound, involving five primary components that contribute to the dimming of your light.
1. Joint Injury or Sprain
The first step in the dimming process is an injury to the spinal joint. Dr. Jan Jirout, a medical researcher, explains that when a joint is sprained or injured, it often heals improperly, becoming stuck, too loose, or misaligned. Many patients come to me experiencing one of these three types of injuries.
Those with a “stuck” joint can often recall the exact moment it happened. They’ll say, “I was lifting something heavy, and my back went out,” or “I felt something pop while shoveling snow.” These incidents may seem minor at the time, but the joint often remains misaligned.
Those with joints that are “too loose” may not experience as much immediate pain, but they often report frequent popping sounds, like “Rice Krispies” with every movement. This can indicate an underlying instability.
Finally, those who experience “misaligned” joints may not feel immediate pain, and their misalignments can progress gradually, like a car with slightly misaligned wheels that pulls to one side over time.
2. Scar Tissue Formation
Left untreated, an injured joint begins to form scar tissue. According to Dr. Tapio Videman, a medical researcher from Helsinki, Finland, this process occurs within 7 to 14 days after the initial injury, and once scar tissue forms, it’s permanent. Scar tissue impairs joint flexibility and further diminishes the brightness of your internal lightbulb.
Think of it like this: Scar tissue is sticky and fibrous, almost like gum, which interferes with smooth movement. If this scar tissue builds up over time, the joint becomes even more restricted, further limiting spinal movement and nerve function.
3. Nerve Pinching or Irritation
The next step in the subluxation process involves the nerves connected to the spine. Dr. Irvin Korr’s research shows that pinched or irritated spinal nerves are common after an injury or misalignment. Pinched nerves cause immediate discomfort, and patients can often identify where they feel the pain, sometimes describing it as “a pinch” or “pressure.”
In most cases, however, it’s not a severe pinch but rather an ongoing irritation. Like a wire slowly rubbing against a car’s frame, the nerve gradually becomes more irritated, eventually leading to a “short circuit” of sorts. Patients may not feel this irritation right away, but over time, they notice nagging pains and discomforts that affect their daily life.
4. Muscle Spasms and Inflammation
The next stage of subluxation involves muscle spasms surrounding the affected joint. Dr. Kirkaldy Willis explains that these spasms occur as the body’s way of “protecting” the spine from further harm. However, muscle spasms can become inflamed, and inflammation invites more scar tissue formation.
This cycle of muscle spasm, inflammation, and scar tissue build-up creates restrictions within the muscle itself, diminishing movement. Muscle fibers should glide smoothly over one another, but with scar tissue, they get “glued” together, limiting their ability to move freely.
5. Permanent Spinal Degeneration
The final stage in the Vertebral Subluxation Complex is often the most serious: degeneration of the spine itself. Over time, Dr. Lee A. Hadley’s research shows that these effects become visible on X-rays, demonstrating what’s known as “Subluxation Degeneration.” In these cases, the bones, discs, ligaments, and joints lose their individual integrity and fuse together in large blocks of tissue.
This degeneration is often mistakenly associated with symptoms like back or neck pain, but these are actually among the later signs of nervous system interference. According to Dr. Karel Lewit, the first signs of spinal interference often show up in other body systems—impaired immune function, digestive issues, or chronic fatigue.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex is more than just a spinal issue; it’s a body-wide issue. When left unaddressed, subluxations cause a “dim” light not only in our spine but in our entire body.
Becoming a Bright Lightbulb Again
The good news is that you don’t have to live with a dimmed lightbulb. With Chiropractic care, we adjust the spine to reduce interference in the nervous system, giving your body a chance to heal and function at its highest potential. Adjustments can help relieve pain, but they also serve a greater purpose in restoring the body’s natural communication pathways, enhancing everything from immune function to energy levels.
Chiropractic care addresses these subluxations before they lead to irreversible degeneration, keeping the light in you bright. Adjustments provide the body with the freedom it needs to heal and grow, unburdened by the restrictions subluxations create.
Ready to Shine Brighter?
Imagine living each day with the full power and energy of that bright 150-watt lightbulb. Imagine the freedom from aches, improved immune function, and overall sense of wellness that comes from an optimized nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments can help you and your family achieve that full brightness, freeing you from unnecessary restrictions and pain.
If you’re ready to regain your vitality and brightness, I invite you to schedule an appointment today. Together, we’ll work to remove any interference dimming your light, helping you live with the full brightness and energy you deserve. Take the first step towards shining brighter—get adjusted and feel the difference.