What Are Subluxations?

Subluxations are the main cause of joint pain.

Learn more about why they’re harmful and how chiropractors can help.

 

Have you ever experienced unexplained joint pain, stiffness, or limited movement? You might be dealing with a subluxation, or partial dislocation of a joint.

Subluxations not only impact the joint itself, but also the surrounding soft tissues, making even simple movements uncomfortable. Whether they affect your spine or your wrist, subluxations come with a wide range of symptoms and require attention from a skilled health professional.

But the good news is that they’re treatable—and often preventable.

In this post, we’ll explore what subluxations are, their causes, and the symptoms you should watch out for. We’ll also dive into effective treatments (like chiropractic care) and other ways to restore your range of motion and relieve discomfort.

Let’s uncover how you can get back to feeling your best!

 

What Is a Subluxation?

A subluxation is a partial dislocation of a joint, where the bones in a joint shift out of their normal alignment but don’t fully separate.

This can happen in any joint in the body, from the spine to the shoulders, knees, or wrists. While subluxations may not be as severe as a full dislocation, they can still cause significant pain, discomfort, and limited movement.

There are two main types of subluxations:

• Joint Subluxation: This refers to any partial dislocation in a joint, such as the shoulder, knee, or wrist. It often occurs after an injury or due to conditions like arthritis, which weaken the joint’s stability.
• Spinal Subluxation: Specific to the spine, this type of subluxation happens when one or more vertebrae shift out of alignment. Spinal subluxations can interfere with nerve signals, leading to pain, inflammation, and other symptoms throughout the body.

Both types of subluxations can impact not only the affected joint but also the surrounding soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When the joint is out of alignment, the surrounding tissues often tighten or become inflamed as they try to stabilize the area, which can make even small movements uncomfortable.

Understanding subluxations and how they affect your body is the first step toward finding effective treatment and getting back to your daily activities pain-free.

Symptoms of Subluxations

Subluxations can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, many of which stem from the misalignment of the joint and its impact on surrounding soft tissues. When a joint is even slightly out of place, it can irritate nearby nerves, strain muscles, and create inflammation, leading to noticeable pain and discomfort.

Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

• Pain and Inflammation: A subluxated joint often results in localized pain and swelling as the body responds to the misalignment. This inflammation can make the area feel warm or tender to the touch.
• Reduced Range of Motion: A subluxation can restrict how far the joint can move. For instance, you might find it hard to fully extend your arm or turn your head comfortably.
• Stiffness or Tightness: The surrounding muscles and ligaments may tighten in response to the misalignment, leaving the joint feeling stiff or immobile.
• Tenderness Around the Affected Joint: You might notice that the area feels sensitive or sore, especially when pressing on or moving the joint.
• Radiating Discomfort: In cases of spinal subluxation, the irritation of nerves can send pain signals to other parts of the body, causing symptoms far from the original issue.

Recognizing these symptoms early is essential. If you suspect a subluxation, consulting a health professional can help address the issue before it worsens and impacts your daily life.

 

Common Causes of Subluxations

Subluxations can happen for many reasons, ranging from sudden injuries to gradual wear and tear on the body. Understanding what causes a subluxation can help you take steps to prevent them in the future.

Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Injuries: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries are some of the most common causes of subluxations. For example, a hard impact during a football game or an awkward fall on your wrist can result in a subluxated joint.
• Poor Posture: Slouching or sitting for long periods with poor posture can place extra strain on your spine and other joints. Over time, this can lead to a spinal subluxation or issues in the shoulders and neck as the body tries to compensate for the misalignment.
• Repetitive Strain: Activities that require repetitive motions, like typing, lifting, or even playing an instrument, can stress the joints and surrounding soft tissues. Over time, this can cause a partial dislocation of a joint, particularly in the wrists, shoulders, or elbows.
• Weak or Overused Muscles: Muscle imbalances, where some muscles are too tight and others are too weak, can pull a joint out of its proper alignment. This is especially common in the hips, knees, and shoulders.
• Arthritis and Degenerative Conditions: Conditions like arthritis wear down the cartilage and other joint structures, making the joint less stable and more prone to subluxations.
• Trauma to Soft Tissues: Damage to the soft tissues surrounding a joint—like a sprain or ligament tear—can destabilize the joint, leading to misalignment.

The wide range of causes shows how easily subluxations can occur in everyday life. From a single misstep to years of strain, subluxations affect people of all ages and activity levels. Fortunately, there are ways to address and prevent them, which we’ll explore in later sections.

How Are Subluxations Treated?

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to address subluxations and restore proper alignment. Through precise adjustments, chiropractors can relieve pain and inflammation, improve the range of motion in the affected joint, and reduce pressure on surrounding nerves.

Chiropractic adjustments work by gently guiding misaligned joints back into their proper position. This realignment reduces stress on the joint, surrounding soft tissues, and nervous system. By restoring balance and function, chiropractic care not only eases discomfort but also helps the body heal naturally, preventing further issues caused by chronic misalignment.

In addition to adjustments, chiropractors may use supportive therapies like heat and cold treatments to manage swelling, bracing to stabilize the joint, or targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and enhance mobility. These combined approaches provide both immediate relief and long-term support for joint health.

 

Preventing Subluxations

While subluxations can happen to anyone, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain healthy joints. Here are some practical tips to keep your joints aligned and functioning properly:

• Maintain Proper Posture: Whether you’re sitting at a desk or standing for long periods, keeping your spine aligned helps reduce unnecessary strain on your joints and soft tissues. Be mindful of slouching or leaning to one side, as these habits can contribute to spinal subluxations over time.
• Incorporate Regular Stretching: Stretching keeps your muscles flexible and reduces tension that might pull your joints out of alignment. Focus on gentle, full-body stretches to promote balance and improve your range of motion.
• Avoid Overuse Injuries: Repetitive motions, like lifting improperly or typing for hours without breaks, can strain your joints and surrounding muscles. Take regular breaks, use ergonomic equipment, and practice proper techniques to protect your joints.
• Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Engaging in regular exercise, particularly activities that build strength in the muscles around your joints, helps stabilize and support joint health.
• See a Chiropractor Regularly: Routine visits to a chiropractor can help prevent subluxations by keeping your spine and joints properly aligned. Ongoing chiropractic care ensures that minor misalignments are corrected before they lead to bigger issues, helping you avoid pain and inflammation and maintain a full range of motion.

By adopting these habits and staying proactive with your care, you can reduce your risk of subluxations and keep your joints healthy for the long term.

 

Keep Your Joints in Check with Expert Care

Subluxations can disrupt your daily life with pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, but the good news is they’re both treatable and preventable.

With the help of chiropractic care, you can restore alignment, reduce pain and inflammation, and regain your full range of motion. Regular adjustments, combined with healthy habits like stretching and posture awareness, can prevent subluxations from recurring and keep your joints functioning at their best.

If you’re experiencing joint discomfort or want to stay proactive about your health, reach out to our team at Oviedo Chiropractic. Our skilled chiropractors are here to help you feel your best and keep your body moving smoothly. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!